The University of Otago – Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka has joined forces with Ngāti Hine Health Trust, one of the largest Māori health providers in Aotearoa, to improve diabetes care for Māori.
A research agreement has been signed which will support the Trust's existing programmes and services, as well as kaupapa Māori research relevant to Ngāti Hine. This will enable research capacity across the Trust's kaimahi and tauira to be strengthened.
Professor Sir Jim Mann
Māori and Pasifika communities bear the greatest burden of diabetes-related complications and face the largest inequities in care. For Ngāti Hine, diabetes rates are nearly three times the national average, significantly impacting whānau.
Professor Sir Jim Mann, Co-Director of Otago's Edgar Diabetes and Obesity Research Centre, says the partnership will enable the University and Ngāti Hine Health Trust to work together to help solve this "persistent inequity".
"Our desire is to establish, maintain and grow trusting relationships with intergenerational impact contributing to the strength and vitality of Ngāti Hine," he says.
Ngāti Hine Health Trust CEO Tamati Shepherd-Wipiiti says the partnership is a "milestone for our whānau and for the future of Māori health".
"With so many of our whānau impacted by conditions like diabetes and obesity, we need research that speaks to our realities and supports solutions we can lead.
"This partnership with the University of Otago is about combining expertise with kaupapa Māori values to create evidence that drives better outcomes for Ngāti Hine and Te Tai Tokerau," he says.
The first project for the partnership will be based on footcare.
Professor Mann describes footcare as a "really important" aspect of diabetes care as the condition can result in amputation of toes, feet or part of the lower limb, which is largely avoidable if they are monitored properly.
Amputations were identified in the 'Economic and Social Cost of Type 2 Diabetes report' as a significant cost to individuals and the health system. EDOR researchers were part of the expert advisory group which contributed to the report.
"We will be working together as they develop an enhanced footcare programme for Ngāti Hine Health Trust patients and evaluate it to prove that it is effective for people with diabetes."
Professor Mann says the Government is set to release a plan for diabetes prevention and care.
"Our work with Ngāti Hine Health Trust will be consistent with this new national plan, ensuring it is at the forefront of diabetes care in New Zealand," he says.
About Ngati Hine Health Trust:
Ngāti Hine Health Trust (NHHT) is one of Aotearoa New Zealand's largest kaupapa Māori health and social service providers, delivering integrated whānau ora services across Te Tai Tokerau.
Established in 1992, NHHT has grown from its roots in the Motatau Marae Kōmiti to become a regional leader in holistic wellbeing. The Trust offers a broad range of services, including primary health care, mental health and addictions support, disability services, housing, education, justice, and Whānau Ora initiatives.
Guided by the principle "Me ū ki te Tū o Ngāti Hine, ko te oranga te take" (Hold fast to the values and tikanga of Ngāti Hine, for wellbeing is the purpose), NHHT is committed to enhancing the wellbeing of whānau, hapū , and hāpori.
About Edgar Diabetes and Obesity Research Centre:
The Edgar Diabetes and Obesity Research Centre was formed in 2003 with the goal of improving diabetes and obesity outcomes, both nationally and internationally, through research excellence, advocacy, guideline and policy development and advice to government.
The Centre has a long history of working in partnership with Māori organisations to advance Māori health and wellbeing. By focusing on translational research, driven by working collaboratively with research partners, it hopes to amplify Māori voices, build Māori research capacity and ensure long-term community benefit.
