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Independent Research Organisation Funding

Year:
2018
Duration:
51 months
Approved budget:
$2,800,000.00
Researchers:
Dr Amohia Boulton
Proposal type:
Independent Research Organisation Grant
Lay summary
Whakauae was established in 2005 as a unit of Te Maru o Ruahine Trust (TMORT); the contracting and service arm of Ngāti Hauiti, a small iwi located in central Rangitikei. The aim of establishing Whakauae was twofold: to develop the research capacity of Ngāti Hauiti and to undertake high quality Māori-centred health research to inform, and contribute to, improved outcomes for Māori. Since its inception, Whakauae has focussed primarily on Māori public health research, health promotion evaluation and primary care research. With the addition of new staff in 2008, we broadened out this focus to include health services and health policy research. Our key strength lies in our ability to produce world class research in the fields of tobacco control, health services, public policy and public health, which is of relevance to, and for the ultimate benefit of, Māori. In 2012, Whakauae became a stand-alone entity, under the auspices of Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Hauiti. Whakauae maintains its charitable status and aims but now has a Board of Directors appointed by the Rūnanga. The Board provides governance oversight with members offering a mix of experience and skills. This mix includes economic and business expertise (with an economist and former Treasury Official), cultural expertise (former Māori Director of Health, Whanganui DHB) and research expertise (the Director of Whakauae is also a Board Director). Becoming a stand-alone entity has not altered the focus of our work, nor its intent. However, in practical terms it has allowed Whakauae to work under the direct guidance of a governance board comprising three iwi members further strengthening the ties between Whakauae and Ngāti Hauiti. We are the only iwi-owned Māori health research centre in Aotearoa. Whakauae is totally externally funded hence our research work for, and on behalf of, iwi, hapū and Māori relies on our researchers bringing in competitive research grants and/or commissioned research. We strive to maintain a weighted portfolio of contracts across three classes: investigator-initiated research; community research and evaluation; and consultancy. We are proud of our track record of sustainable, effective partnerships locally, nationally and internationally. We have strong community linkages with whānau, hapū and iwi. We also partner with academic institutions such as Otago, Victoria and Massey Universities as well as with health services in the development and delivery of research. We have a strong commitment to, and track record of, nurturing and supporting local Māori community-based researchers.