About this research
This research, grounded in Kaupapa Māori and mana wāhine methodologies, explores the experiences of Māori mothers and whānau during the perinatal period. It highlights the expertise of Māori birthing parents and identifies strengths and solutions to address inequities in perinatal mental health care.
A publicly accessible resource was developed to share these findings in a practical and usable way, supporting both whānau and practitioners. The work contributes new knowledge to the health sector, helping to inform culturally responsive care and improve outcomes for pēpi, wāhine and whānau.
Project lead - Cara Meredith (Kāi Tahu, Kāti Māmoe, Waitaha) Ōtākau Whakaihu Waka (University of Otago) Ōtautahi
"I am truly grateful for the support of the Whakaaweawe grant and Ngā Pae o te Māramatanga. This investment enabled my PhD research to move beyond the academy supporting open-access publication and the development of a resource that centres and uplifts the voices of Māori participants. Through this, their expertise can inform practice, shape policy, and reach the wider communities it was always intended to serve. Kā mihi nui."
Kairangahau · Researchers
Dr. Cara Meredith
Ngati Pakeha
Te Puawaitanga ki Ōtautah Trust
Ko Hikaroroa, ko Takitimu, ko Aoraki ōku mauka,Ko Waikouaiti, ko Aparima, ko wataki ōku awa,Ko Takitimu tōku waka,Ko…
Dr. Cara Meredith
Rangahau · Related projects
Ētahi atu · Other projects
Tangi is the ultimate form of Māori cultural and community expression. Addressing the dearth of scholarly information, this study considers tangi practice, whakapapa, changing environments, community values, sharing knowledge, ritual and what it means to be Māori. The research team has been examining the life-values, beliefs and practices related to…
View projectAituā: Death in a changing Māori World
Kairangahau · Researchers
-
Professor Linda Waimarie Nikora FRSNZ, HFNZPS
Professor Linda Waimarie Nikora FRSNZ, HFNZPS
Researcher and academic, Professor Linda Waimarie Nikora was formerly the Director of the Māori & Psychology Research Unit in the School of Psychology at the University of Waikato in New Zealand. In 2017, she became a Professor Indigenous Studies at the University of Auckland where she was also Co-Director of Ngā Pae o te Māramatanga, New Zealand’s Māori Centre of Research Excellence (2017-2025). She presently teaches in the Master's of Indigenous Studies programme and supervises dissertations, master's theses and PhDs.Her specialty interests are in the development of indigenous psychologies…
This project created “Te Proton Poi” — a waiata integrating mātauranga Māori with quantum physics to support community engagement with advanced health technologies. Inspired by MRI concepts and kapa haka, the project highlights how culturally grounded approaches can bridge science and te ao Māori to empower whānau.
View projectCommissioning a musical score and accompanying actions to a poi-waiata (called “Te Proton Poi”)
This project created “Te Proton Poi” — a waiata integrating mātauranga Māori with quantum physics to support community engagement with advanced health technologies.
Inspired by MRI concepts and kapa haka, the project highlights how culturally grounded approaches can bridge science and te ao Māori to empower whānau.
He Kahu Kōrero – Cloaks that Speak will be an accessible scholarly book celebrating the art of whatu kākahu and the transformative journeys of six Māori women and their whānau.
View projectHe Kahu Kōrero – Cloaks that speak
He Kahu Kōrero – Cloaks that Speak will be an accessible scholarly book celebrating the art of whatu kākahu and the transformative journeys of six Māori women and their whānau.