Te Wai Barbarich-Unasa

Whakamana te reo ā ngā rangatahi ki roto i ngā ratonga hauora (Empowering the voices of our young people in health services)

Rangatahi engagement in health services occurs daily, however, understanding how to positively engage rangatahi in health services requires both a kaupapa Maaori guided approach and one that is directly targeted to their specific age group. Prevention of the over-representation among the negative statistics amongst Māori is extremely important, especially for the future of rangatahi. The need to have a framework to support quality engagement and a value exchange between rangatahi and health services is crucial to improve the well-being of individuals, whānau, iwi and communities in Aotearoa. Thus, working towards a healthier future for rangatahi and positive experiences with health services.​

Speaker Bio

Te Wai Barbarich-Unasa

Waikato-Tainui, Ngāti Paoa, Ngāti Maniapoto

Dr Te Wai Barbarich-Unasa has a passion for kaupapa Māori research, ensuring rangatahi voices are heard. Te Wai is a lecturer in Māori Health and a member of the Eke Tangaroa programme at AUT. Initially qualified as a youth worker, Te Wai has a background in supporting Māori whānau and tamariki through community paediatrics and has supported rangatahi Māori into health careers. Te Wai completed a Master of Philosophy that explored rangatahi understanding of the informed consent process. In her PhD Te Wai worked closely with rangatahi to understand their experiences of engaging with health services. Te Wai undertakes research in areas focusing on Māori/Indigenous young people, health, engagement in health services and cultural responsiveness.