Atawhai is the culmination of a significant body of knowledge and learning about health system responses to violence within whānau. The whakapapa of this research includes many people, places, events and narratives that have contributed to the pathway forward. We would especially like to acknowledge the contribution of Matua Tamati Tata who mentored Dr Claire Gear throughout her PhD and supported the development of this research project.
Atawhai National Advisory Group: The Atawhai National Advisory Group was convened in 2021 to advise how to translate project outcomes across Aotearoa. The Group ended in 2023 with the conclusion of project funds.*
Co-chairs:
Dr Gabrielle Moss, Te Akoranga a Maui (RNZCGP Māori rōpū)
Debs Higgins, Whānau Awhina Plunket
Members:
Dr Bryan Betty, Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners
Anne-Marie Ballagh, College of Primary Health Care Nurses
Phil Back, Western Bay of Plenty Primary Health Organisation
Grant Pollard, Ministry of Health
Kirsty Maxwell-Crawford, Poutiri Trust
Dr Rawiri Keenan, Te Akoranga a Maui, University of Waikato
Pat Cook, Te Manu Toroa
Hori Ahomiro, Tauranga Women’s Refuge
Melanie Cheung, Te Puna Ora o Mataatua
Julie Sach, Tautoko Mai
Esther Martin, Pacific Island Community Trust
*Organisations listed at time of involvement.
CITR at AUT University was funded by the Health Research Council of New Zealand in October 2020 to conduct this three-year study. Project Atawhai builds on a significant body of research and professional relationships and partnerships generated by the Centre for Interdisciplinary Trauma Research over the last decade. Our research team includes highly skilled researchers and leaders in the fields of violence against women, specialist family violence services, complexity theory, primary care service delivery and Māori health, Māori governance, tino rangatiratanga and kaitiakitanga.
We move beyond prescriptive family violence responses to explore system pathways and tools primary care professionals may draw on for different scenarios and settings.
Our strong Te Tiriti based partnership is reflected in our research team, tikanga, conceptual frameworks, research design and methodologies.
Improving service delivery so whānau can seek care and support safely.
The Atawhai design Te Korou represents manaakitanga, whānau and the creation of a safe environment. The two larger koru represent the people coming together and embracing each others energy and wairua. The space in between the koru represents the space where one feels the values of manaakitanga and katiakitanga. The smaller koru speak to the many different roles that whānau play on the creation of a safe environment to openly kōrero and speak up to family issues.
What matters to whānau: Interested in contributing to change? To find out more contact our team kiaora@atawhaitia.co.nz