Falls are a major health issue for older adults, with Māori experiencing inequities in falls risk and related injury. Existing falls prevention programmes have not always reflected Māori worldviews, cultural strengths, or the importance of connection to whānau and community.
Taurite Tū was developed through a partnership between Te Rūnanga o Ōtākou and the University of Otago, bringing together physiotherapy evidence, Māori knowledge, and Indigenous movement practices. The research explored how a culturally grounded, community-led approach could improve physical wellbeing, reduce falls risk, and create a programme that Māori communities would value, participate in, and sustain.
What did you do?
Through a Kaupapa Māori research approach, we co-designed, implemented, and evaluated Taurite Tū with Māori communities.
The programme integrates evidence-based strength and balance exercises with Māori movement practices, cultural knowledge, waiata, and opportunities for social connection.
Research was conducted across multiple phases, involving approximately 150 participants, while implementation has continued to expand nationally.
The research team worked alongside Māori organisations, kaumātua, community members, physiotherapists, and movement practitioners to develop the programme, training resources, delivery model, and supporting resources needed for sustainable community implementation.
What was produced?
The research produced the Taurite Tū programme, a culturally grounded falls prevention and wellbeing programme for Māori aged 50 years and over.
A comprehensive suite of resources was developed, including training materials, a programme manual, exercise resources, videos, music and waiata soundtracks, and culturally relevant movement resources.
The programme is delivered through community-based kapa (teams) and supported by trained Māori kaimahi (staff) and movement practitioners.
Research findings have contributed to publications and presentations, while the programme itself has continued to evolve through ongoing community feedback, implementation, and research.
What is the impact of your research?
Taurite Tū demonstrates research translated into sustained community impact. The programme has expanded from research into ongoing delivery across Aotearoa, with approximately 30 kapa engaging around 1,000 Māori participants.
Research has demonstrated high attendance and retention, reduced falls risk, and benefits for physical wellbeing, cultural connection, and whakawhanaungatanga (relating well to others).
The programme has also built Māori workforce capability through training community-based kaimahi and movement practitioners, supporting local ownership and sustainable delivery.
The impact of Taurite Tū has been recognised nationally and internationally. In 2025, the programme received the inaugural HRC Catalyst in the Community Award for community research impact, recognising the translation of research into implementation.
Taurite Tū has also received recognition through health and aged-care innovation awards and has been referenced in peer-reviewed research publications. The programme continues to generate opportunities for further research, implementation, evaluation, and scale-up.
Supporting information
- Katrina Pōtiki Bryant's profile page
- Taurite Tū website
- Taurite Tū recognised as taonga for communities
- Prestigious research honours for Otago academics
- Taurite Tū research team recognised excellence eldercare innovation
Contact
Katrina Pōtiki Bryant
Senior Lecturer / Associate Dean Māori, School of Physiotherapy, University of Otago
Project Lead / Hauora Researcher, Te Rūnanga o Ōtākou / Taurite Tū
Email katrina.bryant@otago.ac.nz