Community Directory Project (November 2003)
Group or Institution
Waikato Institute of Technology (Wintec)
Author(s)
D Woodward, N Tahu, R Walker, C Hirst, S Goundar, M Faith Chadwick-Walters, T Madsen, S Patel, G Millie Gawler (Tutor: Jackie McHaffy)
Abstract
This project involved eight students currently studying towards a Bachelor of Nursing at Waikato Institute of Technology. The students undertook a project to help a group in the community, as part of the Community Health Systems paper. In this instance the group worked with Te Whare o Te Ata in the Fairfield community.
The purpose of the project was to lay the foundations of a service directory for the Fairfield/Ward Three community.
In doing so, the focus was on collection and collation of information of service providers in the community. The project group not only gathered historical information but revealed new and previously uncollected information of value of the directory concept.
Project processes undertaken by the group were guided by theory related to the underpinnings of community health promotion, as well as theory revolving around the principles of Te Whare Tapa Wha as a health model, and the Kaupapa Maori Research methodology, which takes the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi into consideration.
As an additional learning benefit of undertaking this project, the group members were able to gain insights into the role of a Public Health Nurse in the community. A key finding of the report was the diverse range of issues that exist within, and impact upon the community as a whole. It became increasingly evident that a community directory would provide a much-needed resource to make information of community-based services more centralised and therefore more accessible to people.
Project recommendations revolve around the potential for further data collation to address identified knowledge gaps of the available services in the community, as well as a reference resource of their location.
Group/s Associated with the Research:
Te Whare o Te Ata Community Centre
A full copy of the report is available from:
Research Connections
W-Block cnr Nisbet & Tristram Streets or
cnr Tristram & Ward Streets
Private Bag 3036
Hamilton 2020
Telephone 07 834 8841
Fax 07 834 8884
e.mail: research@wintec.ac.nz