As Māori and Pacific peoples are increasingly participating in health research, understanding how to engage positively is of great interest to researchers who intend on collaborating with Māori and Pacific communities.
The following information acts as a 'good practice' guide for genomics and other science research engagement with Māori communities based on a recent study by Merriman, Wilcox & Roberts.
Engagement with Pacific communities is based on the University of Otago Pacific Research Protocols which has been developed at the request and with the involvement of Pacific communities.
Māori engagement
Effective engagement with Māori from experienced genomic researchers has identified 5 key aspects that were common across studies that had a perceived successful engagement with Māori.
These five aspects are:
- Champion Figure
- Relationships & Trust
- Communication
- Cultural Differences
- Te Whare Tapawha
Pacific engagement
Effective engagement with Pacific from community and research perspectives has identified good practice guidelines that have been developed by the University of Otago in partnership with Pacific communities. These guidelines focus on ensuring researchers have a clear understanding of values of Pacific communities in which they may conduct research with and that they understand certain principals that will help build effective engagement.
More information on the key principles for Pacific engagement.
Māori and Pacific Health Providers
The theme actively seeks to build meaningful relationships with Māori and Pacific communities and their respective health providers. It is through these relationships and sharing of information about genetic tools to Māori and Pacific health workers that will enable our communities to understand the role of genetics in health.
If your health provider would like for the theme to visit for an interactive presentation of genetic and genetic tools please email tony.merriman@otago.ac.nz