Listen Now: 
Maori scientists and communities will be taking the lead in a new government science challenge to improve health and education outcomes for New Zealand’s children.
The co-director of the Better Start: E Tipu e Rea challenge is Professor Gail Gillon of Ngai Tahu, the pro vice chancellor at the University of Canterbury’s College of Education, Health and Human Development.
She says E Tipu e Rea, means to grow and branch forth, and the research will be designed in line with kaupapa Maori principles, to braid together indigenous and Western scientific understandings and processes.
The challenge will identify critical health, education and mental health issues that, if prevented or resolved, would have a major positive impact on the vulnerable children’s lives.
Areas for research include childhood obesity, early literacy and behavioural problems.
The Maori research leader, Professor Angus Hikairo Macfarlane of Te Arawa, says New Zealand has a significant proportion of tamariki and young people with health, educational and mental health vulnerabilities.
They are concentrated in low socioeconomic communities with a disproportionate burden falling on Maori and Pasifika.
The challenge involves collaboration with other New Zealand universities, including Otago, Massey, Auckland and Waikato, as well as Crown Research Institutes and other research organisations as part of a broader, multi-disciplinary team.
Copyright © 2016, UMA Broadcasting Ltd: www.waateanews.com
RELATED NEWS
