We're excited to share the launch of a new podcast series arising from Te Whakahekenga, our Health Research Council-funded research project exploring dying as a health and social justice issue.
Led by Associate Professor Jackie Robinson and Dr Stella Black, and developed in partnership with Te Tōpūtanga o te Mauri, the series provides an opportunity to hear the stories behind the research, the relationships that shaped the project, and the insights gained from working alongside whānau and communities in Te Moana-a-Toi/Eastern Bay of Plenty.
Episode One: A Kōrero Between Stella and Jackie
In this first episode, Stella and Jackie sit down together to reflect on the origins of Te Whakahekenga, the journey of the research, and the lessons learned along the way.
Their conversation explores the realities faced by whānau living in rural communities and areas of socioeconomic deprivation as they care for loved ones approaching the end of life. The discussion highlights how access to health and palliative care services is often shaped by factors beyond illness itself, including geography, transport, housing, finances, and previous experiences with healthcare systems.
At the same time, the episode celebrates the strengths of whānau and communities, acknowledging the care, resilience, resourcefulness, and aroha that sustain people through some of life's most challenging experiences.
The kōrero also reflects on the importance of working in partnership with communities and valuing lived experience as a source of knowledge and expertise. These principles were central to the Te Whakahekenga project and informed the development of He Tapu Te Tangata (The Sacred Person), a framework that promotes dignity, connection, and mana-enhancing approaches to care.
Jackie also reflects on how doing the project and learning from the Waiariki community has enhanced her clinical practice.
Listen to Episode One
We invite researchers, healthcare professionals, students, policy makers, and community members to listen to the first episode and join the conversation about creating more equitable experiences of care, dying, and bereavement.
🎧 Listen on Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/episode/4M5qjZVEnVR3vpRgzXxoRr
Acknowledgements
Ngā mihi to Jackie, Stella, Te Tōpūtanga o te Mauri, and all of the whānau and community members who shared their experiences and insights throughout the Te Whakahekenga project. We also acknowledge the support of the Health Research Council of New Zealand in making this important work possible.