In-Depth Notes on Tariaotipu Research Presentation

Introduction

• Presentation on research titled "Tariaotipu," focusing on anti-diabetic Rakaarongoa for alleviating type two diabetes.
• The speaker holds a PhD in Plant Molecular Biology from the University of Queensland, awarded in 2012.
• Acknowledged as one of the first Māori women to achieve a PhD in this field, and the first in her family to attend university.

Personal Background

• The speaker expresses gratitude to her parents for their sacrifices, which have contributed to her educational journey.
• Highlights the significance of her research in terms of cultural and academic identity.
• Describes the culmination of efforts in her previous studies, including a gene expression study on pineapple fruit development.

Research Naming and Significance

• The research title "Te Reo Tipu" reflects the unique voice and intelligence of Roongoa (traditional medicine).
• Emphasizes that Roongoa has a role in healing and connecting with the natural environment (Ngahere) and ancestral wisdom (Matauranga).

Role of Kaumatua

• Emphasizes the importance of Kaumatua as custodians of knowledge in the research process.
• Acknowledges that her role is to support and defer to the wisdom of these elders and integrate their knowledge into her research.
• Discusses the establishment of a Kahui Rangkahi to ensure the future succession and sustainability of her work.

Importance of Research in Māori Health

• Addresses the increase in type two diabetes in Aotearoa, which is the fastest growing long-term condition, doubling from 125,000 to 250,000 diagnoses over the past 10 years.
• Notes that 90% of these cases are type two diabetes, affecting an estimated 450,000 New Zealanders including family caregivers.
• Highlights the societal impact and rising costs associated with diabetes care, forecasting $1.3 billion to $1.8 billion in direct costs from 2016-2021.

Understanding Type Two Diabetes

• Defines type two diabetes as a chronic metabolic disease characterized by insulin resistance and pancreatic dysfunction.
• Compares insulin to a "taxi driver" that transports glucose to cells, explaining the complications arising from insulin resistance at the molecular level.
• Discusses how an abnormal pancreas contributes to the inability to produce sufficient insulin.

Current Treatments and Their Limitations

• Describes the five classes of non-insulin medications available in Aotearoa: 1) Biguanides (Metformin), 2) Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors, 3) DPP-4 inhibitors, 4) Sulfonylureas, and 5) Thiazolidinediones (TZDs).
• Metformin is noted for its origins from the French lilac plant and issues concerning side effects and efficacy.
• Calls for the need to discover new anti-diabetic agents without adverse side effects.

Indigenous Flora as a Research Source

• Advocates for leveraging New Zealand’s unique flora that has been used traditionally in Māori medicine for potential breakthroughs in diabetes treatment.
• Posits that the scientific validation of traditional knowledge and Rongoa practices can lead to significant health improvements.

Research Methodology

• Explains the scientific approach combining traditional knowledge with modern scientific methods, using cell culture and molecular biology techniques.
• Discusses laboratory practices involving ethical considerations regarding human cell lines, emphasizing the significance of Karakia (ceremonial practices) in lab work.
• Expresses commitment to environmental sustainability and cultural practices in scientific research.

Challenges in Scientific Validation

• Highlights challenges faced by Rongoa practitioners in being recognized and valued within mainstream health systems due to the lack of scientific validation.
• Points to historical impacts of discrimination against traditional practices under laws like the Tohunga Suppression Act of 1907.
• Stresses the need for clinical research involving Māori in trials for effective representation.

Future Aspirations

• Outlines plans to establish Te Reo Tupu research institution focusing on Māori biomedical research and community needs.
• Desires collaboration between mainstream health systems and Māori practitioners to address current health crises effectively.
• Seeks to respect and promote intellectual property rights belonging to Māori for all research conducted.

Conclusion

• Reiterates the commitment to healing the land and community through engaging Māori cultural practices.