<p><em>M&#257;ori research roopu at TVNZ&rsquo;s &ldquo;Midday News&rdquo; studio</em></p>

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<p>The question of how to get the findings and significance of M&#257;ori research across via the media was at the core of a two-day &ldquo;Media Savvy&rdquo; workshop attended by Dr Amohia Boulton and Dr Tanya Allport from Whakauae Research.&nbsp; Run by the Science Media Centre through Nga Pae O M&#257;ramatanga, and attended by a r&#333;p&#363; of M&#257;ori researchers from a range of diverse areas, the workshop focused on how M&#257;ori researchers can best communicate what are often complex messages to the media, with the aim of contributing key messages on issues that affect M&#257;ori lives.</p>

<p>The workshop taught practical skills around preparing timely responses and commentary on M&#257;ori research, interviewing skills, the pitfalls of engaging with media, and how to make research findings relevant not just to policy and decision-makers, but to people&rsquo;s everyday lives. A visit to the TVNZ studios in Auckland provided an &lsquo;insider view&rsquo; from M&#257;ori reporters and producers from shows such as <em>Te Karere</em>, and reiterated the importance of getting M&#257;ori stories into the media.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The workshop culminated in a &lsquo;pitching session&rsquo; of research findings to a panel of established M&#257;ori journalists, including Yvonne Tahana (TVNZ), Atakohu Middleton (AUT) and Arana Taumata (M&#257;ori TV).&nbsp; For Whakauae, the learnings from &ldquo;Media Savvy&rdquo; are a welcome addition to the research &lsquo;kete&rsquo;, as part of ensuring that our research is part of the public spotlight, debate and discussion on important M&#257;ori health matters.</p>
