November 10, 2022
Awanuiarangi leads Māori mental health research programme
A Māori mental health expert says rates of Māori mental ill-health will just keep rising as long as significant socio-economic inequality continues.
Professor Te Kani Kingi from Te Whare Wananga o Awanuiarangi is leading Te Aratiatia ki te Hauora, a new $16 million research collaboration with Te Whatu Ora’s Health Promotion Agency Te Hiringa Hauora.
He says unemployment, low incomes, poor housing and education are major pressures affecting Māori mental health.
“So across our lifetime, more than 50 percent of Maori are likely to suffer from a mental health issue, challenge or disorder, that requires treatment. The unfortunate reality is that the vast majority of us don’t seek treatment and care,” Professor Kingi says.
Te Aratiatia ki te Hauora will not only generate research on improved care options but also training opportunities and online resources.