During recent lockdowns you might have used Levi Armstrong’s exercise pod The Domynis, a mobile gym on Napier’s Marine Parade.
This is just one example of a research project co-funded by the Hawke’s Bay Medical Research Foundation. The Foundation has just announced a name change and re-brand to ‘Health Research Foundation – Hawke’s Bay’ and projects like Levi Armstrong‘s reflect its changing focus.
“With the health industry now more aware of the interconnected nature of physical and mental health, the word ‘medical’ no longer captures the broad range of researchers the foundation supports,” says President Kirsten Westwood. “The new name is a move attuned to current times.
“The Health Research Foundation has grown to support health at all levels. Physical, but also mental well-being,” she adds.
Levi Armstrong (Ngāti Kahungunu) is an EIT Bachelor of Recreation and Sport graduate and is one of a number of key participants in a project called ‘Fighting fit, fighting fat’.
He has developed PATUTM, a social enterprise business with an innovative approach to providing sustainable healthy lifestyle interventions within local communities. As part of this he has created a Meke Meter, which the Foundation has directly supported.
The Meke Meter is as an image-based, well-being tool that enables users to track their social, mental and physical wellbeing over time. It is based on Te Whare Tapa Whā, designed by Māori, for Māori utilising Te Ao Māori. By simply rating 1-10 how you feel about mahi, school, finances, whānau, fitness, nutrition, motivation, self-esteem, you will understand your holistic wellbeing. https://www.mekemeter.org/
The Health Research Foundation – Hawke’s Bay has operated for 61 years and has supported research including traditional medical work and projects for mental health. It has also focused on under-privileged communities, sport’s health and contributed to a national safe sleeping programme for babies.
As the Foundation goes through its re-brand it wants to actively nurture the future generation of researchers. It has done this by creating a special ‘Youth Corner’ on its website where pupils at intermediate or high school can download a Research Template and discuss credits at school – “a great resource for teachers as well,” says Interim Chief Marketing Officer Laura Martin. When students have completed their research, they receive an official certificate to authenticate their achievements.
The main goal for the foundation is to truly connect with the community, raising more funds for research. To this end businesses can opt for a Corporate Partnership, with three different tiers, offering a range of features including invitations to events the foundation looks to organise in the future. For significant contributions, people can follow the Philanthropy Programme – which includes the ability to donate towards a specific health cause.
Says President Kirsten Westwood: “These changes ensure that we are current, that we are known and can respond to what is really important to our community in Hawke’s Bay.”
The Health Research Foundation – Hawke’s Bay will soon organise its first live event to introduce themselves and showcase some of their amazing achievements.
Pre-register your interest in this event and lock in your ticket as an early bird.
For more information:
Web: www.hrf.co.nz
email: [email protected]
Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air
