Home > Review Articles > Māori health > Indigenous-led community research in a changing climate: impacts of Cyclone Gabrielle on the health and wellbeing of Māori in Te Tairāwhiti, Aotearoa New Zealand

Indigenous-led community research in a changing climate: impacts of Cyclone Gabrielle on the health and wellbeing of Māori in Te Tairāwhiti, Aotearoa New Zealand

Making Education Easy

From Māori Health Review Issue 120
Authors:
  • McClutchie J et al.
Summary:

This article discussed a community research project that studied the impacts of Cyclone Gabrielle and other extreme weather events on Māori in Te Tairāwhiti. Key findings from interviews and focus groups with 40 participants were: 1) the impacts on Māori health and wellbeing; 2) the critical role of marae; 3) the impacts on rural and coastal communities; 4) the response from iwi health providers; and 5) Māori leadership. The authors concluded with reflections and considerations for Indigenous-led research into climate change and extreme weather events.

Comment:
Although focussed on the impact of a cyclone, there is something uplifting about this research and the way it protects and preserves the mana of Māori. It treats people’s stories, relationships and places as taonga, and shows that Māori communities are not passive victims of disaster but leaders, carers and knowledge holders in recovery. In fact, in times of crisis, Māori networks, marae, Iwi providers and whānau connections provide essential infrastructure and support, and in ways that are more quickly, safely and trustworthy than formal services.
Reference: AlterNative: An International Journal of Indigenous Peoples. 2026;22(1):76-89.
Abstract
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Independent commentary by Dr. Matire Hardwood

Dr Matire Harwood (Ngapuhi) has worked in Hauora Māori, primary health and rehabilitation settings as clinician and researcher since graduating from Auckland Medical School in 1994. She also holds positions on a number of boards, committees and advisory groups including the Health Research Council. Matire lives in Auckland with her whānau including partner Haunui and two young children Te Rangiura and Waimarie.

Research Review publications are intended for New Zealand health professionals.

Disclaimer: This publication is not intended as a replacement for regular medical education but to assist in the process. The reviews are a summarised interpretation of the published study and reflect the opinion of the writer rather than those of the research group or scientific journal. It is suggested readers review the full trial data before forming a final conclusion on its merits.

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