Doctoral Thesis

Louise Mahinarangi, Kewene-Doig (Tainui/ Ngāti Maniapoto), University of Otago

Cain Kerehoma (Raukawa, Muaupoko, Porourangi), Massey University

This research will explore this new conceptual framework underpinned by matauranga Maori, which is characterised as generous, regenerative and generational. The 'Aroha Economy' is a system underpinned by the connectedness and interdependence of all living things. It locates economy, people and community within the context of collective prosperity, ecmystems of reciprocal relationships and environmental pre-eminence.

Morgan Jones (Ngāi Tahu), The University of Otago

The heterogenic nature of cancer and the ability for cancers to undergo metastasis has presented researchers with a major hurdle towards finding a cure or preventive measures for cancer development. Although cancer metastasis is the main cause of cancer-related deaths, the underlying mechanisms or mutational events that cause metastasis have not been identified. 

Cell free DNA (cfDNA) in human body fluids is made up of short DNA fragments around 160-180bp; results from recent studies suggest that tumour derived cfDNA, termed circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) is present in the blood of cancer patients. DNA methylation changes occur early during tumorigenesis and metastasis and are present throughout the entire cancer process, thus suggesting that methylation pattern analysis of ctDNA may provide a robust and achievable approach for identifying the likely presence of secondary tumours and finding predictor markers of cancer metastasis.

Joanna Hikaka (Ngāruahine), University of Auckland

The aim of my research was to develop a pharmacist-facilitated medicines review intervention for Māori older adults in Waitematā DHB. Literature reviews undertaken as part of the thesis showed that older Māori do not have the same opportunity to access or to benefit from medicines and pharmacist services as older non-Māori in Aotearoa.  Interviews with key stakeholders, including older Māori, were undertaken and findings from these were used to develop a medicines review intervention, delivered by a Māori pharmacist. 

A kaupapa Māori theoretical framework was applied to the research. The intervention was structured around the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and was tested in a feasibility study. The intervention was acceptable to participants who valued the increase in medicines knowledge and control of their health journey. The acknowledged the pharmacist as having clinical expertise and an advocacy role and expressed that the by Māori, for Māori model of care was important.This research sets a foundation for understanding equitable medicines access for older Māori and presents a pro-equity health intervention aimed to support the achievement of Māori health equity.

Benjamin Hanara (Ngāti Kahungunu), University of Otago

Meri Haami (Iwi affiliation Te Āti Haunui-a-Pāpārangi, Ngāti Rangi, Ngā Rauru Kītahi, Ngāti Tūwharetoa), Victoria University of Wellington