Friday, June 29, 2001
The Foundation for Research Science and Technology (FRST) and the Health Research Council of New Zealand (HRC) have
approved funding for two major new research projects for Maori. These projects are the first to be funded by the
Government's new Maori Knowledge and Development research output class. They are expected to help improve socio-economic
and health outcomes for Maori.
Maori Plant Medicines
FRST will administer Te Kete a Tini Rauhanga, an investigation of the native medicinal flora (rongoa Maori) used by
Tuhoe , led by Dr Meto Leach through the University of Waikato. This project will see Dr Meto Leach and his research
team work with respected Tohunga Rongoa or Maori medicine expert, Hohepa Kereopa, to investigate the traditional use of
native flora. The aim of the research is to document the selection, preparation and medicinal uses of rongoa by Tuhoe
and identify the bioactive compounds responsible for the medicinal properties observed. The project integrates
mainstream science and traditional Maori knowledge and aims to improve socio-economic and health outcomes for Maori. The
project, estimated to cost $320,000 p.a., will start in July 2001. The University of Waikato study is a good example of
collaboration between a research provider and Maori. It also makes a significant contribution to developing Maori
research capability by supporting two PhD scholarships in the area of natural product chemistry.
The Relationship Between Health Disparities and Deprivation
The HRC will administer a project on disparities and deprivation led by Dr Papaarangi Reid of the Eru Pomare Maori
Health Research Centre at the Wellington School of Medicine. The team will analyse the relationship between deprivation
and health disparities between Maori and non-Maori in four health areas - lung cancer, coronary heart disease, Sudden
Infant Death Syndrome and caesarean section. They will relate hospital admission and treatment data and death rates from
these conditions to ethnicity as well as an area-based index of deprivation in New Zealand. This index includes factors
such as reliance on a benefit, unemployment, low household income, lack of a car or a phone, educational qualifications
and household overcrowding. The results will contribute to health promotion, health policy and improvements in health
services. The project is worth $180,000 a year for three years, and will also train a senior Maori researcher in
advanced statistical methods.
New Opportunities for Maori Research
A total of $1.1million will be available for investment in new Maori Knowledge and Development research programmes in
the June 2001-2002 financial year. In August, the Foundation and the HRC will advertise a request for research proposals
that contribute cultural, governance and health outcomes for Maori. Updates on the FRST's investment processes can be
received automatically by registering on FRSTpost at www.frst.govt.nz. Ends