<p>Kiri Parata, a PhD candidate with Te P&#363;tahi a Toi, Massey University is feeling humbled to have received a career development award from the Health Research Council of New Zealand (HRC). &ldquo;Having heard about previous recipients of this award, I&rsquo;m still pinching myself that I have been considered alongside these academics.&rdquo;</p>

<p>The M&#257;ori Health Research PhD Scholarship awarded to Parata will make a significant contribution to her study <em>Hoki ki te &#363;kaip&#333; &ndash; whenua and hauora: an exploration of wh&#257;nau, whenua and restoration</em>.</p>

<p>Parata is exploring notions of connection to and engagement with whenua t&#363;puna (ancestral lands) and the potential to support wh&#257;nau to flourish while enhancing wellbeing.</p>

<p>Studies will be based on her wh&#257;nau whenua, Pukehuia, in Waikanae on the K&#257;piti Coast where alongside her siblings and wider wh&#257;nau they have created a long-term plan for intergenerational advancement through their relationship with the whenua. &ldquo;Having been alienated from our ancestral lands for generations, we now have opportunities to consider the values passed down from our ancestors as we apply these to our decision-making and engagement with the whenua&rdquo; said Parata.</p>

<p>For Parata, post graduate study comes after many years working alongside her role models and friends at Whakauae Research for M&#257;ori Health and Development, based in Whanganui. As an independent contractor Parata has led several evaluations and participated in kaupapa M&#257;ori research working to improve M&#257;ori health outcomes with the team at Whakauae.</p>

<p>Parata&rsquo;s doctoral studies on Pukehuia build on previous research she has led with her iwi, Te &#256;tiawa ki Whakarongotai. The doctoral study will sit within a broader programme of M&#257;ori health research being undertaken by Whakauae entitled <em>Kia pu&#257;wai ake ng&#257; uri whakatupu: Flourishing future generations</em> which received a $5 million grant from the HRC to explore solutions for improving health outcomes for M&#257;ori, <a href="https://hrc.govt.nz/news-and-events/developing-knowledge-health-system-shift-towards-equity" target="_blank">Developing the knowledge for a health system shift towards equity | Health Research Council of New Zealand (hrc.govt.nz)</a>. Parata will be working in the role of Programme Manager for this significant research programme, while undertaking her PhD.</p>

<p>With its annual Career Development Awards, the Health Research Council fosters and builds research capacity and capability throughout Aotearoa.</p>

<p>&ldquo;Having a strong and diverse health research workforce is imperative to improving health and wellbeing for all New Zealanders,&rdquo; says Le-Shan Pomana-Wesley, HRC Manager of M&#257;ori Health Research.</p>

<p>&ldquo;Strengthening the M&#257;ori workforce is key to building m&#257;tauranga M&#257;ori and advancing the development and dissemination of M&#257;ori health research. We&rsquo;re proud to support research like Kiri&rsquo;s that aims to improve wellbeing and help local communities flourish.&rdquo;</p>

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<p>For further information contact <a href="mailto:kiri.parata@xtra.co.nz">Kiri Parata by email</a> or phone +61423162992 (Aus).</p>
