COVID project

Often Kaumātua and elders generally, are seen as vulnerable and passive recipients of services throughout the ongoing Covid 19 pandemic. However, in the village of Ohinemutu and as citizens of their iwi Ngāti Whakaue, Kaumātua have been active leaders in the response of the village, initially during the first four-week lockdown in 2020.

This research explored how uri of Ngā Wairiki Ngāti Apa found new and creative ways to reconnect with their whenua and te taiao during the COVID-19 pandemic. Through intergenerational interviews, the project highlighted sensory and spiritual practices of reconnection—shared through podcasts and a short film to inspire and support collective healing.

Sky Caitlyn Halford (Ngati Kahungunu ki Wairarapa, Rangitane o Wairarapa), University of Canterbury

Antidepressant medications are .frequently prescribed medications, with over 600,000 New Zealanders taking an antidepressant in 2019. Antidepressant compounds remain biologically active after passing through the body and are not removed in wastewater treatment. Exposure to antidepressant compounds has negative impacts on other species, including reduced fertility and escape responses, altered mating behaviours, and reduced camouflage. There is little information regarding the extent of antidepressant compounds entering the New Zealand environment through wastewater ejjl.uent and sludge, and the potential negative impacts on New Zealand native species.

‘Ubiquitous Maths Learning Made Easy for Rangatahi and Adult Learners. (Especially if we are in lockdown!)’

Adults and rangatahi often come to maths learning with an already formed (negative) mathematics learning identity. Rangatahi know that for certain future goals they will need to “have” mathematics as part of their knowledge “suite”.

New research analyses the mental, relational, psychological, and spiritual wellbeing of over 3000 Māori during and post-lockdown through Te Rangahau o Te Tuakiri Māori me Ngā Waiaro ā-Pūtea | The Māori Identity and Financial Attitudes Study (MIFAS).