We have retained the Kowhaiwhai developed for the original online learning resource and gifted to the NZSSD by Terry Ehau who was cultural advisor at the time of development.
This kowhawhai whakairo depicts the relationship between people and the environment in which they exist.
The component framed in the light blue depicts a relationship between tangata (man) and wairoa (environment).
The middle component of the whakairo (dark blue) depicts the relationship between the Ira Atua (the esoteric world) and Ira Tangata (the world of the living).
Te Kore, the component depicted as black is referred to as ‘nothingness’
When all three components are brought together the whole design depicts the journey from a void to the world of enlightenment.
The banner utilised on this framework we see a quadruple repetition of the design.
This is specifically designed as such to reinforce the journey through the different levels of learning and development beginning at Mana Motuhake (autonomy), to Oho Mauri (awakening), to Tarauruwhenua (reciprocity), to Rerekehanga (notion/principle of change).
This whakairo is a gateway to an approach to health service delivery where Matauranga Māori (Māori knowledge) is utilised to enhance effective engagement with all consumers of health services in New Zealand. Mātauranga Māori when utilised in conjunction with scientific knowledge will significantly support the effective engagement.
“Ka kohi to toi, ka whai te māramatanga’
‘If knowledge is gathered, enlightenment will follow’
The updating and development of the content for this online learning resource is a culmination of contributions by many people invested in supporting the diabetes workforce to development high quality and contemporary diabetes knowledge and skills and thereby raise the care for people with diabetes in Aotearoa New Zealand.
It is important to also acknowledge the foundations for this resource being the Healthmentoronline resource developed by the Refract group for the NZSSD in 2011. In particular, Margaret Miles who championed the resource and ensured there was a learning platform for nurses and other health professionals over the past decade.
Dr Helen Snell (PhD) has led the review and update of the resource and is grateful for the time and energy given by the contributors to content development:
Diabetes Clinical Nurse Specialists: Sally Morgan, Clare Henson, Harpreet Kaur, Lyn McPherson, Sharon Walsh, Kate Smallman, Anne Waterman, Tracey Sawyers (CNS Renal), Mary Meendering, Denise Nesdale, Liz Allen, Ann Faherty, Gina Berghan and Gilli Lewis.
Nurse Practitioners: Amanda de Hoop, Bryan Gibbison, Bobby Milne, Jenny Somerville, Isabel Raiman and Vicky Corbett
Diabetes Specialist Midwife: Emma Mumford
Diabetes Specialist Dietitians: Emma Carran and Kristen White
Diabetes Specialist Podiatrists: Michelle Garrett and Claire O’Shea
Psychologists: Lisa Henson and Jo McClintock
Expert Reviewers: Dr Michelle Downie, Dr Charles Barter and Dr Ryan Paul
Overall review and editors: Nurse Practitioners Pauline Giles and Dr Helen Snell