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Tangata · Researcher

Associate Professor Esther Willing

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Associate Professor and Director Kōhatu Centre for Hauora Māori

Dr Esther Willing (Ngāti Toarangatira, Ngāti Koata, Ngā Ruahine) is an Associate Professor in Hauora Māori and the Director of Kōhatu Centre for Hauora Māori. Her research interests include health policy and health systems research and she is passionate about improving Māori health outcomes and addressing health inequities in Aotearoa.

She currently is involved in research on immunisation uptake and coverage for hapu māmā and tamariki, guidelines for prioritising intensive care resources to support equity and discourse and framing of Māori health.

Rangahau · Related projects

Doctoral thesis

22PHD11The Inequities of the NASC system in Aotearoa for Whaikaha Māori
Kaiārahi · Project lead Emily Bain
Whare wānanga · Host University of Otago
Matakitenga · Framework
Wā rangahau · Timeline Commenced 2022 · Completed 2025

This project explores the barriers Māori whānau face in accessing disability funding through New Zealand’s Needs Assessment and Coordination system. Combining a literature review with interviews of whānau and Kaupapa Māori providers, the research aims to build strong relationships and develop a Kaupapa Māori equity-based tool. Ultimately, this will support…

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Doctoral thesis

22PHD09Utilising Mātauranga to Guide Biomedical Research
Kaiārahi · Project lead Mana Mitchel
Whare wānanga · Host University of Otago
Matakitenga · Framework
Wā rangahau · Timeline Commenced 2022 · Completed 2025

This research draws on mōteatea, whakataukī, and insights from Māori experts to illuminate the ethical foundations of Kaupapa Māori methodologies. By mapping these principles against Western theories, it guides culturally safe approaches for intergenerational trauma and Indigenous health research.

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Ētahi atu · Other people