From left: Ms. Lisa Wong, the Research Operations Manager, Professor Julian Paton, Chair of the Steering Group, Dr. Anna Rolleston and Dr. Mataroria Lyndon co-chairs of the Māori Advisory Group for Manaaki Mānawa
On July 22nd, 2019 Manaaki Mānawa – The Centre for Heart Research was formally ratified by the University Senate. Dame Naida Glavish (Ngati Whatua), patron of the Centre, gifted the name of Manaaki Mānawa. Mana – aki, meaning preservation and protection of one’s mana (life force), by expressing kindness and caring. Mānawa, the heart (and breath) but it is more than the anatomical structure of the organ itself.
It represents the heartbeat, the pulse rate, and their dynamic reaction to changes in state (e.g. threat, arousal, sickness, sleep) and forms a part of an integrative response with the other organs, which is highly personalised to the individual, and part of one’s own being. Rob Waddell (Olympic gold medallist) joins Dame Naida Glavish also as a patron for Manaaki Mānawa
Led by Professor Julian Paton, Manaaki Mānawa brings together cardiovascular expertise in biomedical, bioengineering, epidemiology, Māori cardiovascular health, Pacific cardiovascular health, analytical science and clinical practice.
The Centre’s mission is to work in partnership with Māori and Pacific peoples to create a vibrant world-class centre for heart research underpinned by evidenced based, multi-disciplinary collaborative research using cutting edge technology that is recognized internationally and delivers clinical benefits and equity to Aotearoa New Zealand’s patients with cardiovascular and respiratory diseases.
