Clinical Interventions

• Note the points made previously that research should be designed to contribute to equity, not hide or support continued inequities.
• If ethnicity is a variable of analysis in your research, please ensure you use standardised definitions of ethnicity and methods of ethnicity data collection.
  
• If you are using existing datasets, you will need to consider the accuracy and completeness of ethnicity within the dataset. For discussion on this issue, see Hauora IV Appendix Three.
• Consideration of your sample if you are researching in an area where there are inequities. If your sample has inadequate representation of Māori, you may perpetuate these inequities. The Te Ara Tika framework insists that you reflect whether or not your study needs to have the power to analyse Māori outcomes independently (see equal explanatory power), and how you will achieve this.

Most researchers are familiar with procedures for obtaining individual consent. Te Ara Tika identifies that, at times, individual written consent may not be sufficient. For a further discussion of collective consent, see the discussion paragraph (Pages 15 - 17) on "informed consent" in the Te Ara Tika document.

Collective consent may be of particular importance in studies involving the use of human tissue, body fluids, DNA, and data, especially where future use is being considered. DNA and genetic information reflect the whole whanau​​ across generations, and collective consent may be most appropriate in research using these data. See section on human tissue and genetics for more information.

​​​​​​​Te Mata Ira or He Tangata Kei Tua.

You need to consider: Why do it, for what purpose, with whom, how and allow time...

• Consultation with Māori is a minimal obligation under the Treaty of Waitangi, and an expectation of the University under its delegated Crown responsibilities. The level and depth of consultation will vary according to the type of research project.
• Consultation may improve your research project and draw your attention to key Māori stakeholders and improve your dissemination and knowledge transfer outcomes.
• Think about the need for consultation with Māori EARLY in research design.
• Relationships with Māori stakeholders will be on a continuum, from simple provision of information and dissemination of research findings, to a deeper relationship based on partnership.
• A number of researchers will already have Māori individuals and/or groups involved in their project. For researchers without Māori involvement, key Māori stakeholders may be recommended. Te Ara Tika also provides some support.
• Consultation, by definition, includes a feedback loop. It is therefore essential that you provide a brief summary of your research findings to all Māori stakeholders as part of your dissemination process. Additional processes may be suggested.
  

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