Kokiri 20 - Te Puni Kokiri

RANGAHAUPassing on:learning moreabout deathand dyingA University of Waikatoresearcher says we don’t knowenough about dying, death andbereavement among Mäori today,and she’s seeking participants fora study to help fill the gaps in ourknowledge.Dr Tess Moeke-Maxwell isembarking on a three-yearresearch project to gatherinformation on Mäori families’experiences of death and dying,and the processes associatedwith end of life.The aim of the Kia Ngawaristudy is to increase knowledgeand understanding of Mäoriexperiences of living with alife-threatening conditionand contemporary Mäoripalliative needs, both within thehealthcare system and amongwhänau.“There’s been a lot of interestand inquiry about Kia Ngawariboth from health professionalsand from family membersof individuals with a lifethreateningillness,” says DrMoeke-Maxwell.Word-of-mouth referrals haveput her in touch with severalparticipants for her study ofthe end-of-life phase, whichinvolves face-to-face interviewswith individuals and their familymembers.Dr Moeke-Maxwell hopes toidentify and interview up to 30end of life whänau living inWaikato and South Auckland,and complete up to eight fullcase studies.She will be working with twonoted Waikato academics.Associate Professor LindaWaimarie Nikora is the foundingDirector of the Mäori andPsychological Research Unit, andProfessor Ngahuia Awekotuku(CNZM) of the School of Mäoriand Pacific Development isan eminent cultural, arts andheritage researcher.Both are currently directing theTangihanga research programmeat Waikato University, of whichKia Ngawari is one study.Left to right: Dr Tess Moeke-Maxwell, Professor Ngahuia Awekotuku, Associate Professor Linda Waimarie NikoraTE PUNI KÖKIRI | KÖKIRI | MAHURU – WHIRINGA Ä NUKU 201041