Pūtahi Manawa Engages Communities at Waitangi Day, Strengthening Heart Health Awareness and Research

A nationally significant event like Waitangi Day is the perfect time for Pūtahi Manawa to step outside the walls of academia and into the heart of the communities we serve. Upholding Te Tiriti o Waitangi and engaging directly with the people who shape and are shaped by our research.

Joe Pihema (Ngāti Whatua ) Pou Tikanga Pūtahi Manawa says it was especially important for the heart health organisation to be at Waitangi this year, going directly to the community that it serves.

“As a Tiriti-led kaupapa, it is of the utmost importance for Pūtahi Manawa to be at Waitangi.”

Pūtahi Manawa’s first time at Waitangi for Waitangi Day was met with curiosity and enthusiasm from those who visited the marquee. Researchers, students, clinicians and staff engaged with Waitangi Day visitors through interactive displays and demonstrations designed to build greater awareness of heart health, engaging with people from various backgrounds and ages.

Pūtahi Manawa researcher and Co-lead for the Sweet Pressure IRM, Dr Fiona McBryde, felt privileged to be a part of the Waitangi outreach team.

“I had many conversations about heart health with a diverse range of people, from schoolkids to kaumatua. One man commented that he liked to get his blood pressure checked every year at Waitangi, cos it was easier than trying to get to the doctor from his farm up in Northland.”

Pūtahi Manawa’s latest project support opportunity, Te Korowai, sparked interest from community groups showcasing in the event’s Ngāti Hine Health Trust Hauora section.  The new opportunity for support is for community-led, kaupapa Māori research projects on heart health and opened for idea submissions on the 6th of February.

Linda Fotherby, Pūtahi Manawa Research Operations Manager, had exciting conversations with potential recipients.

“Te Toi Ora ki Whaingaroa, a Waikato-based Māori health provider who were at the event, told us our funding could help them to continue the research they have been doing into the effectiveness of their Kaupapa Māori cardiac services.”

The Hauora space was a family-friendly area and provided a relaxed environment for school-aged rangatahi to ask our medical students about their studies and pathway to becoming a doctor.

“This will definitely become a regular event on the Pūtahi Manawa calendar!” said Linda Fotherby.