Autistic Māori rangatahi experience numerous challenges within the Aotearoa New Zealand health system, yet there is limited evidence about how they access and use health services. Understanding these patterns is essential for identifying inequities and informing health services that are more accessible, acceptable, and responsive to the needs of autistic Māori rangatahi.
This summer research project will use whole-of-population data from Aotearoa New Zealand’s Integrated Data Infrastructure (IDI) to investigate mental and physical health service utilisation among autistic and non-autistic Māori rangatahi. The student will contribute to analysing patterns of health service use, identifying differences and potential gaps in access and care, and considering what these findings may mean for the design of more accessible, acceptable, equitable, and responsive health services.
This project offers an opportunity for a student interested in autism, Māori health, health equity, epidemiology, or population health research. The student will gain experience working with large-scale administrative health data, developing quantitative research and analytical skills, interpreting findings within an equity-focused framework, and contributing to research with the potential to inform improvements in health service delivery for autistic Māori rangatahi
Supervisors
Primary Supervisor: Laurie McLay
Other Supervisor(s): Hana Royal, Nick Bowden (University of Otago), Jessica Tupou (Victoria University Wellington)
Application and funding
This is a UC Commitments Summer Scholarship research project. Emailed applications will not be considered. Find out more here: University of Canterbury Scholarship Portal - UC Commitments Summer Scholarship
Final date for receiving applications
25 September 2026
