Record number of PhD scholarships awarded in Māori Cancer Researcher Awards

Five researchers from across the motu are receiving funding for research to improve cancer outcomes for whānau Māori.

Te Kāhui Matepukupuku o Aotearoa (the Cancer Society of New Zealand) and Hei Āhuru Mōwai Māori Cancer Leadership Aotearoa partnered four years ago to award Māori cancer researchers to address health inequities. To date, there have been eight researchers embark on projects supported by the scheme.

This year a record four PhD scholarships and one masters scholarship have been announced, with the Gut Cancer Foundation of New Zealand also supporting two of the doctoral candidates whose research will look at cancers of the digestive system.

Experienced nurse and cervical screening advocate Nadine Riwai (Ngāti Porou, Te Aitanga a Māhaki, Te Uri o Hau, Ngāi Takoto, Inia) will explore mana enhancing methods to empower cancer screening programmes for Māori for her doctoral research at the University of Auckland.

There are currently three national cancer screening programmes in Aotearoa, New Zealand for bowel, breast and cervical cancer. Cancer screening rates across all three programmes remain low for Māori, which Nadine says leads to later presentation and diagnoses with higher mortality rates for Māori.

Nadine says that as someone who knows how to navigate the health system, even she has found it difficult and been left “frustrated” at times.

Nadine’s research aims to identify key barriers and enablers to cancer screening for whānau Māori; co-design a whānau-centric Kaupapa Māori framework for delivering cancer screening programmes; and co-create an implementation strategy.

Nadine is committed to improving cancer screening and Hauora services for Māori. She is influenced by all whānau who experience a cancer journey, especially Dr Te Ururoa Flavell and the late Talei Morrison.

“National programmes must adhere to the importance and inclusion of whānau voices, inter-generational korero, what works on the ground, and keep mokopuna decisions at the forefront.”

Chae Phillips (Ngāti Rongomaiwahine) wants her PhD research at the University of Waikato to inform improvements in both access to care and the experiences of wāhine Māori diagnosed with symptomatic breast cancer in the Waikato. Chae’s research will focus on developing a community-based, co-designed mātauranga Māori-informed pathway.

Wāhine Māori in the Waikato region have a 37% lower breast cancer survival rate than non-Māori, says Chae. While support services exist for women on their cancer journey, few are specifically designed to meet the unique cultural, social, and economic needs of wāhine Māori.

Chae credits the diverse experiences she and her whānau faced during her mother’s cancer journey with igniting a fire within her and inspiring a career in health.

“I am driven by a commitment to help whānau feel empowered and to reclaim their rangatiratanga within the health system.”

Jayde Ngata (Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Porou) from the University of Otago, Christchurch, will lead research focused on understanding how tumour bacteria can help improve the effectiveness of immunotherapy for people with colorectal (bowel) cancer. Jayde’s research will also explore the acceptability and accessibility of using tumour tissue models for research, with a particular focus on Māori bowel cancer patients and their whānau.

Jayde says his interest in cancer research began during his honours’ year.

“I became fascinated by how small molecular changes can affect the immune system and cancer development. There is still so much to learn about our connection to the gut microbiome and its influence on our overall health, particularly in the context of gut cancers.”

His passion for science more generally is deeply entwined with strong whānau support and role models, including his late Uncle Norm Dewes, a strong advocate for the community.

“My uncle always encouraged me to pursue a PhD and to fight for change in our community,” says Jayde. “This research is my way of continuing that fight for better cancer outcomes and a better health system for all.”

Fran Munro, a Kaiarataki Rangahau Māori (Research Navigator Māori) at the University of Otago, will focus on understanding Māori perspectives on research through her PhD. Fran (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Moerewa, Ngāti Rangi, Ngāti Hine), plans to talk to gastric (stomach) cancer patients and their whānau in Te Tai Tokerau (Northland) and explore their thoughts around their tissue being used in research.

“Precision medicine is a growing enterprise with the potential to improve patient outcomes. Equitable outcomes can only be achieved if Māori engagement is actively sought and consultation outcomes implemented. The insights gained from this PhD project could help guide the culturally safe implementation of precision medicine in Aotearoa, ensuring tangata whenua feel heard, valued, welcomed and cared for in the cancer space.”

Gemella Reynolds-Hatem (Ngāi Tūāhuriri, Ngāti Hāteatea, Ngāti Waewae - Ngāi Tahu) from the University of Otago, Dunedin has received a Master’s scholarship for her work that will focus on improving outcomes for Ngāi Tahu whānau impacted by a CDH1 gene mutation, particularly breast cancer in wahine.

Gemella will test specific drugs (capivasertib and fulvestrant) to see if they can stop tumour growth in CDH1 cancer models. Additionally, she will engage with whānau at Tuahiwi through wānanga, integrating tikanga and Māori cultural practices.

“During the last year of my undergraduate degree, a tuakana at Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka alerted me to the CDH1 gene and its impact within Ngā iwi Māori. After my first hui with Matua Parry, I was informed of the CDH1 mutation within the iwi I whakapapa back to. To me this was a tohu from my tīpuna that this is where I am meant to be and this mahi is what I am meant to be a part of. I knew it was my calling to do this for my people, but to also continue the path our tuakana has begun to allow the stream of tauira Māori to continue within Te ao Pūtaiao. Mō tātou, ā, mō kā uri ā muri ake nei. For us and those after us.

“My goal is to ensure the health care system better serves our people and provides a space for our people to talk about their journey with the CDH1 mutation but to make change for Māori by Māori.”

Cancer Society Tumu Whakarae (Chief Executive) Nicola Coom says it is exciting to see the research awards partnership grow and strengthen.

“Aotearoa New Zealand is a small nation with immense potential, and collaboration is our superpower. We must drive equity in cancer care and ensure better outcomes for those impacted most – this growing rōpū of researchers are contributing to that goal.”

Gut Cancer Foundation Executive Officer Liam Willis says the foundation is thrilled to be contributing to this scholarship.

"It's wonderful to be a part of a collaboration that is committed to growing the Māori research workforce and fantastic to support two exciting studies aimed at improving outcomes for patients with gut cancers. This partnership is a vital step to achieving equitable outcomes for all New Zealanders, with a focus on improving outcomes for Māori, by Māori."

Hei Āhuru Mōwai Tumuaki (Chief Executive) Gary Thompson says the research being undertaken by this year’s recipients is exciting and inspiring.

“Each one of them is not only contributing to the academic field but is also making tangible strides towards addressing the significant health inequities faced by whānau Māori, particularly when it comes to cancer outcomes.

“Looking to the future, what excites us about these initiatives is the potential for real, lasting change. We are seeing researchers lead the way in creating frameworks that are not only responsive but also proactive in fostering better engagement and health outcomes for Māori communities. These scholars are taking meaningful steps that will benefit generations to come, and we’re incredibly proud to support them."