Skip to main content
Rangahau · Internship project

Intergenerational impacts of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder on Indigenous whānau, hapū, iwi and hapori

About this research

Intern

Deb Cole, Unitec Te Pūkenga

Supervisor

Dr Karen Wright, The University of Auckland

Overview

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a collection of lifelong neurodevelopmental conditions caused by exposure to alcohol before birth. There is little Aotearoa specific data on the prevalence of FASD, however, Māori are disproportionately burdened by hazardous alcohol consumption and alcohol related harms, and it is suspected that similar inequities will exist for FASD. The Waitangi Tribunal claim WAI2624 made by Raawiri David Ratuu addresses the inequitable harm from alcohol experienced by Māori, including the failure of the Crown to appropriately address FASD. As part of the Tribunal process, a FASD Advisory Rōpū (Te Kāhui Taurikura) has been established to provide independent, timely and practical insights to Crown agencies working in the health and disability sector. Intergenerational impacts of FASD are described by those with lived experience of FASD. 

This internship presented findings from an Indigenous-led Kaupapa Māori informed scoping review addressing the research question: How do the intergenerational impacts of FASD manifest in Indigenous families and communities? 

This internship project explored the intergenerational impacts of FASD on Indigenous whānau, hapū, iwi and hapori.

Ētahi atu · Other projects

Research Programme

21-24RP01He oranga whānau: mahi ngātahi: Whānau livelihoods within the context of work and Māori economies of wellbeing
Kaiārahi · Project lead Professor Chellie Spiller
Whare wānanga · Host University of Waikato
Matakitenga · Framework
Wā rangahau · Timeline Commenced 2022 · Completed 2025

He oranga whānau: mahi ngātahi: Whānau livelihoods within the context of work and Māori economies of wellbeing. These groundbreaking works celebrate Māori futures rooted in kaupapa Māori values while fostering pathways for responsible relationships, meaningful lives, and flourishing Indigenous wellbeing economies. By emphasising the central role of whānau…

View project

Internship project

21-22INT06Separatism, or sovereignty? Exploring social media and news media narratives of Maaori tino-rangatiratanga in politics and health
Whare wānanga · Host University of Waikato
Matakitenga · Framework
Wā rangahau · Timeline Commenced 2021 · Completed 2022

This internship analysed how race and racism are framed in New Zealand’s social and traditional media around key issues like constitutional reform and Māori health. Guided by a research team, the intern conducted manual content analysis to uncover overt and subtle expressions of racism.

View project

Doctoral thesis

22PHD10Te Kai Ora a Kāi Tahu: Conceptualising Kāi Tahu kai sovereignty and Māori nutrition data sovereignty
Whare wānanga · Host Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland
Matakitenga · Framework
Wā rangahau · Timeline Commenced 2021 · Completed 2024

This research explored how Kāi Tahu can strengthen control over kai systems, sources, and practices. By weaving together insights on Māori food and nutrition data sovereignty, it offers a foundation for future whānau- and hapori-led kai ora initiatives.

View project