› Experts unite to ‘supercharge’ children’s health, wellbeing and education

Canterbury paediatricians and child health researchers are playing a key role in a new research collaboration to improve outcomes for the region’s youngest and most vulnerable.

Research for Children Aotearoa is a collaboration led by Te Papa Hauora Health Precinct. It includes researchers from the Universities of Canterbury and Otago, and the Pasifika Medical Association, and Ngāi Tūāhuriri. Te Whatu Ora paediatrician Tony Walls and Paediatric Surgeon Kiki Maoate played key roles in establishing the research group and ensuring its connection to the community. Tony, who is also head of the University of Otago, Christchurch’s Paediatrics Department, says clinicians see a lot of young children and infants coming to the hospital from disadvantaged communities. “That’s an area those of us involved in Research for Children Aotearoa would really like to make improvements on.” Kiki is the president of the Pasifika Medical Association which provides, among other services, health and social support to the Pacific community. “Research for Children Aotearoa brings a new form of energy into being advocates for children. To ensure our families are treated well, our children are treated well. We also want to mentor our young researchers.”

The collaboration’s first project was a hui lead by Paediatrician and Researcher Martin de Bock where whānau living with diabetes, community groups, and health experts met to discuss what research is needed to fill crucial information gaps and, ultimately, improve outcomes for young people with diabetes.

Te Papa Hauora independent chair Peter Townsend says it is wonderful to be involved in the initiative – where world-class university health, wellbeing and education researchers are working with Māori and Pasifika organisations to improve outcomes for children.

“To make the biggest difference, you bring people with complementary but different skills, expertise and world views together. Research for Children Aotearoa is being more strategic about the work that needs to be done for the next generation.”

At the Research for Children Aotearoa launch. From left, Kiki Maoate (Te Whatu Ora / Pasifika Medical Association/ University of Otago, Christchurch), Gail Gillon (University of Canterbury), Peter Townsend (Te Papa Hauora), David Murdoch (University of Otago), Amber Clarke (Whitiora), Tony Walls (Te Whatu Ora / University of Otago, Christchurch), Susanne Pitama (University of Otago, Christchurch), Tufulasi Taleni (University of Canterbury)