Traditional healing gets update

Traditional rongoa Maori healing in a contemporary healthcare setting is the second Whanganui Maori research project to receive funding from the Health Research Council.
Dr Amohia Boulton will lead the research with Dr Heather Gifford and Jill Pirikahu of Whakauae Research for Maori Health and Development (WRMHD) in Whanganui.
As reported in yesterday's Wanganui Chronicle, the other research team was Castlecliff-based independent Maori Institute for Environment and Health, Te Atawhai o te Ao, which received $4.27 million over five years for its programme on Maori intergenerational trauma and healing.
WRMHD will partner Canterbury University Maori Health and Wellbeing lecturer Annabel Ahuriri-Driscoll, and rongoa Maori practitioner Albert Stewart of Tairawhiti, in the $1 million three-year project.
Dr Boulton said they hoped to demystify the sector while building on Ms Ahuriri-Driscoll's previous research in the rongoa area.
The Maori-centred research approach will be used to determine what types of service arrangements best support and maintain the cultural integrity of traditional rongoa.
Rongoa services support Maori wellbeing at two levels: Providing holistic, culturally-consistent assessment and treatment of individual symptoms and conditions while maintaining and revitalising matauranga, tikanga and te reo Maori.
Dr Boulton said that from the study a "map" of the rongoa service providers and a service development model would be developed to be used as a practical tool to support and inform practitioners who wished to improve their rongoa service.
The research will also extend understanding of how rongoa can deliver health benefits.
Ms Pirikau and Mr Stewart would also be supported in their research training while building on their research expertise. Dr Boulton said they would produce peer review publications and material for community groups.