Lay summary
The purpose of this research is to examine how healthy food choices influence Maori people’s lives and why they make those healthy choices.
A baseline of knowledge about holistic wellness will be established, with a key focus on food security and food sovereignty. REKA Trust was set up to teach Maori people holistic wellness by returning to the ways of the ancestors – growing, gathering and eating fresh kai from the whenua.
Photovoice is an innovative approach to social science research that combines visual and text data. Photographic images and participant’s explanations is the principal methodology used in this research. After initial research with REKA Trust, a similar study will be done with 6 other diverse groups of people to represent a range of ideas, perspectives and experiences. Creating reports, articles and educational presentations for use with the Ngati Awa Tribe, community and policy audiences are key outcomes of this research.