Kelly Tikao is a Research Associate at the Donald Beasley Institute (DBI) and has worked as a Māori researcher on a number of short and long term research projects via DBI during her time at the Institute. Kelly is currently a PhD student in her second year of study at the University of Canterbury exploring traditional Māori birthing rituals and practices pertaining to the South Island iwi of Ngāi Tahu and the impact of this knowledge loss on the health of the Southern Māori. Kelly is a registered nurse with 20 years of clinical and community work experience. She is also involved in the radio and film industry and likes to weave her broadcasting skills into her research projects. Kelly feels this facilitates a dynamic approach to research accessibility and expression of participant narratives. Kelly presents in the community on her thesis topic and is a regular guest lecturer at the Otago Polytechnic and the Otago Medical School for nursing and medical students covering topics such as: ethics, kaupapa Māori research, disability research, identity and her nursing journey.
New Zealand professor Katrina Bryant and colleagues describe their work with patient-centered research resulting in an art exhibit that conveys a cultural experience of disability.