{"id":3563,"date":"2025-09-25T09:48:00","date_gmt":"2025-09-24T20:48:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.unitec.ac.nz\/UnitecResearchBlog\/?p=3563"},"modified":"2025-09-22T21:49:17","modified_gmt":"2025-09-22T08:49:17","slug":"groundbreaking-unitec-research-on-maori-adults-with-adhd-gets-funding-boost","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.unitec.ac.nz\/UnitecResearchBlog\/index.php\/groundbreaking-unitec-research-on-maori-adults-with-adhd-gets-funding-boost\/","title":{"rendered":"Groundbreaking Unitec Research on M\u0101ori Adults with ADHD gets funding boost"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Associate Professor, Byron Rangiwai (Ng\u0101ti Manawa, Ng\u0101ti Whare, Ng\u0101ti Porou, Ng\u0101i T\u016bhoe) has received a significant allocation in research funding to support a study focused on M\u0101ori adults with ADHD.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The study was one of eighteen successful funding proposals announced by New Zealand\u2019s<\/em> M\u0101ori Centre of Research Excellence, Ng\u0101 Pae o te M\u0101ramatanga (NPM) this week.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The $70,000 grant will help fund the Scoping & Kaupapa M\u0101ori Grounding for ADHD Research Among M\u0101ori Adults <\/em>project which addresses a critical gap, says Assoc. Prof. Rangiwai.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cTo date, there has been no dedicated research into the experiences of M\u0101ori adults with ADHD \u2014 ever,\u201d he explains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThis six-month scoping phase will establish the kaupapa, relationships, and framework for a multi-stage programme, He Ara M\u0101rama: Illuminating Pathways for M\u0101ori Adults with ADHD<\/em>, designed to transform how ADHD is understood, diagnosed, and supported in Aotearoa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Assoc. Prof. Rangiwai will be supported by a research team which includes his colleague at Ng\u0101 Wai a Te T\u016b\u012b: M\u0101ori & Indigenous Research Centre, Associate Professor, Lefaoalii Dion Enari.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He says the study is timely and urgently needed because ADHD research in Aotearoa has largely focused on children, leaving M\u0101ori adults almost invisible in the data.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMany experience under-diagnosis, misdiagnosis, or a lack of culturally appropriate support. This project will centre M\u0101ori knowledge, voices, and lived experiences to build approaches that align with M\u0101ori values and aspirations,\u201d he adds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThis kaupapa is about tino rangatiratanga in health. For the first time, M\u0101ori adults living with ADHD will be seen, heard, and understood on their own terms.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Assoc. Prof. Rangiwai says this work responds directly to the Ministry of Health\u2019s 2024 Overview on Neurodiversity, which calls for culturally-responsive approaches and improved outcomes for M\u0101ori.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With only nine projects funded in the 2025 Matakitenga round, its success demonstrates both the strength of the proposal and the importance of this kaupapa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The project brings together a diverse and experienced research team:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n