The International Indigenous Research Conference (IIRC 2024), hosted by Ngā Pae o te Māramatanga, was held at Waipapa Taumata Rau, (University of Auckland) from November 12 to 15, 2024, providing a forum for dialogue and exploration for Indigenous research communities. The conference brought together over 600 participants, Māori and manuhiri tūārangi (international guests) under the theme Whītiki Taua or Research Solidarities.
Whakauae researchers contributed diverse presentations and panel discussions on Indigenous health, governance, language reclamation, and data sovereignty, fostering dialogue and knowledge-sharing. The conference offered opportunities for networking, collaboration, and replenishing both academic and cultural well-being, fulfilling its theme of Whītiki Taua.
Beginning in December, Cinnamon Lindsay-Latimer will embark on a part-time PhD in Māori Health at the University of Auckland whilst she continues to work with Whakauae Research Services. The research is focused on supporting kaumātua with dementia and their whānau. Tentatively titled “Dude where’s my car(e)?”, the study aims to enhance aged care services for Māori—a kaupapa inspired by their grandparents’ journey through dementia.
We are consolidating our track record of producing high quality, timely, Kaupapa Māori research, working for whānau, hapū, iwi and hapori Māori. This Pou produces the rigorous evidence, research expertise and the thought leadership that has the potential to transform health services, health policy, and Māori health governance.
We are strengthening our capacity to conduct high quality research through investment in our infrastructure and our people. This Pou supports attracting and retaining high-performance Māori expertise and ongoing commitment to upskilling talented people within the Māori health research sector.
We are enhancing our TUI (Translation, Uptake & Impact) platform through investment in new people, new technologies and varied modes of dissemination. This Pou works to design and package new knowledge into media that are useful and meaningful to whānau, hapū, iwi and hapori Māori and other stakeholders, and which engage and create communities of interest.
We are enriching our alliances at the local, national and international level with groups and organisations who have an interest in advancing a Māori/Indigenous health equity agenda. This Pou works to establish partnerships and expertise across local and international Indigenous groups to develop effective new evidence, ideas, and knowledge exchange.
Creating a new team within our organisation who, drawing on their respective leadership roles in the sector, will translate research evidence into “actionable intelligence”. This Pou works to connect Māori research evidence directly to key areas of change-making to achieve the inclusion of Māori evidence in public health and public policy.
