Wai Research formed as a response to a community need for research that reflects the aspirations of the whānau within it.
Building on the generations of knowledge held by kuia and kaumātua of Te Whānau o Waipareira, we are part of a story of Urban Māori community paving bright pathways for future generations.
Historically our community has been subjected to research that attempts to tell our story and as a result, this victimises rather than empowers whānau. Being born from this community, the Wai Research team is active in sharing knowledge and engaging with whānau, leading discussions on topics central to wellbeing, speaking at conferences, and in partnerships with indigenous groups both nationally and internationally.
Our focus is developing translational research for meaningful impact and change you can see. Wai Research sits within the Social Innovation Hub, Wai-Atamai grounding innovation with evidence and best practice, and supporting Whānau Waipareira to measure, evaluate and inform the direction of frontline services and programmes as well as working alongside incubator and pilot projects to map learnings and provide experience based evidence.