Professorial Lecture by Professor Bridgette Masters-Awatere

'From the roots up: Growing capability and impact through evidence-based research' by Professor Bridgette Masters-Awatere.

In her professorial lecture, Professor Bridgette Masters-Awatere reflects on her career commitment of making research impactful and transformative for Māori. Like a tree draws nourishment through its roots, this kōrero explores how research can be nourished by whānau and communities alike — and how those roots can, in turn, support lasting change.

Bridgette will share insights from her early work in programme evaluation and capability development, highlighting how whānau-centred research approaches can shift not only what we study, but who benefits from it. She also reflects on three recent projects — the Hospital Transfers Project, Haumanu Hauora, and the Kapō Māori Project — each demonstrating how research can centre Māori values while influencing policy and practice in tangible ways.

Through stories, humour, and lived examples, Bridgette explores the challenges of embedding mātauranga Māori into health and climate policies, and the power of letting Māori-led solutions lead the way. Drawing on current work in the National Climate Change Risk Assessment (NCCRA 2026) and offering practical policy pathways grounded in whanaungatanga (relationality), whakapapa (connection), and manaakitanga (care), the lecture concludes with a critical look at the compounding risks facing Māori health under climate change.

Whether you’re a researcher, policymaker, or community member, this lecture will leave you with an appreciation of what it takes to grow capability and impact from the roots up.

This 45-minute public lecture will be held at the Gallagher Academy of Performing Arts at the University of Waikato in Hamilton, starting at 5.45pm. Ticket scanning and Opus Bar will be open from 5pm.

Free parking is available on campus via Gate 2B, Knighton Road, Hamilton from 4.30pm.

Please register your attendance by clicking on the 'select tickets' button above and bring your eticket, with you on the evening to be scanned.

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Professor Bridgette Masters-Awatere (Te Rarawa, Tūwharetoa ki Kawerau, Ngai te Rangi) is the Associate Dean Māori for ALPSS Division and Director of both the Community Psychology Programme and the Māori & Psychology Research Unit (MPRU) in the School of Psychology. Her research experiences cover Indigenous Psychology, Kaupapa Māori methodologies, narrative inquiry, and programme evaluations. Bridgette’s academic work involves teaching aspiring psychologists and researchers to understand mental health and wellbeing within the broader context of life experiences and to support pathways for those most impacted by power and resource differences. As a registered psychologist practitioner, Bridgette helps families and collectives share valuable insights into their experiences, connecting social and environmental factors to implement systems changes to improve health and wellbeing.