Pou Tuia Rangahau (PTR) was formerly known as Research and Development Unit.  PTR was established in December 2002 and is a specialist unit of Te Rūnanga o Kirikiriroa Trust Inc.  PTR was established to complete research and evaluation projects that have positive future outcomes for, and with Māori and Pacific communities within Hamilton and the greater Waikato region.  The mission statement of PTR is: “to provide evidence that supports the advancement of tangata whenua at local and international levels.”  In order to meet the mission statement of PTR, the following are the aims of the Unit:

•    To develop research proposals that have a strong collaborative approach to key individuals, organisations and communities;
•    To conduct research projects with an emphasis on direct practical outcomes to communities, wherever possible;
•    To assist communities to increase their research capacity and facilitate options for funding regarding specific research projects;
•    To conduct and complete all research projects based on kaupapa Māori  research methodologies and frameworks; and,
•    To produce clear evidence regarding best models of practice for the services of the Rūnanga, to increase the efficacy of such services.

Since its establishment, PTR have conducted and completed a number of research projects, which have developed into a research programme that aligns with the aims of the Rūnanga.  The aim of our research programme entitled, “Whānau Ora: Arohatanga” is the development of a body of research knowledge which supports Māori whānau to achieve maximum health, wellbeing and quality of life.  It recognises interdependence, and that health and wellbeing are influenced and affected by the ‘collective’, as well as the individual, and highlights the importance of working with people within their social contexts.   The three themes which comprise the Whānau Ora: Arohatanga research programme are:

Theme 1:  Whānau Ora - Whanaungatanga
Theme 2:  Whānau Ora - Manaakitanga
Theme 3:  Whānau Ora - Mana Rangatiratanga.

Together, these three distinct themes combine to form a programme of research which prioritises innovative and distinctive research of benefit to Māori, and seeks outcomes which strengthen opportunities for whānau, hapū, iwi and Māori communities to determine their own health and wellbeing.  This research programme contributes to the knowledge base of Māori and seeks to engage with whānau, hapū, iwi and Māori, both as research participants, researchers and knowledge transfer processes, in the process of actively engaging in building the capacity and capability of Māori researchers, providers and communities.

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