Research plays an important role in shaping the future of our whānau, hapū, iwi, and communities. From health and education to environmental and social wellbeing, research influences many of the decisions that affect our daily lives. By creating a culturally safe space where Māori communities and researchers can connect, we aim to strengthen understanding, celebrate the value of mātauranga Māori, and inspire future generations to engage with research. Increasing Māori participation and leadership in research helps ensure that research priorities reflect the aspirations of tangata whenua and contribute to positive outcomes for current and future generations.
By engaging directly with researchers and experiencing their work firsthand, students can connect their classroom learning with real-world applications. Understanding how research influences health, education, services, systems, and resource allocation helps bring relevance to their everyday lives and the wellbeing of their whānau.
Through these experiences, we hope to spark curiosity, broaden aspirations, and encourage rangatahi to see themselves in academic and research spaces. Research offers a meaningful pathway to creating positive change—helping shape future research priorities, contribute to a more equitable society, and improve outcomes for whānau and communities for generations to come.
Research shapes many aspects of our daily lives—from our health and education systems to how funding and resources are allocated across our communities. By bringing Pasifika communities and researchers together in a culturally safe space, we create opportunities to connect research with lived experiences, inspire future pathways, and highlight the value of Pasifika knowledge and perspectives. Growing Pasifika participation in research will help ensure that future research reflects community priorities and contributes to better outcomes for generations to come.




