Combining Cognitive Mapping and indigenous knowledge to improve food environments in regional New Zealand

Issue addressed Hawke's Bay has one of the highest rates of childhood obesity in New Zealand. While several initiatives exist aiming to decrease obesity through physical activity, there are few nutritional interventions. This study adopted a systems science and matauranga Maori approach to identify and target underlying drivers of rising childhood obesity and engage the community to improve the food environment. Methods Cognitive mapping interviews (CM) with local stakeholders (school principals, Iwi and district health board representatives, education managers and local councillors) were conducted. The aim was to map participants' mental models of the causes of rising childhood obesity and to identify key principles for engaging with the local community in a meaningful, impactful and culturally appropriate way for future action. Results Eleven interviews were conducted face-to-face and cognitive maps were constructed. Follow-up interviews were carried out online, due to COVID restrictions, to present the maps and for interviewees to make any adjustments. Four composite themes emerged through centrality and cluster analysis of the resulting cognitive maps: the importance of building in matauranga Maori (Maori knowledge and ways of being), the hauora of children, working with the community and integrating existing initiatives. Two contextual factors are also considered: the growing need for food security in our communities and the opportunity to start interventions in the school setting. Conclusion Cognitive mapping can produce useful insights in the early stages of community engagement. The six pou (pillars) underscore the importance of incorporating indigenous knowledge when embarking on public health interventions, particularly around obesity and in regional communities. So what? When designing a public health initiative with a community with a high indigenous population, indigenous knowledge should be promoted to focus on holistic health, working with the community and creating opportunities for cohesion. These founding principles will be used to structure future community actions to improve children's food environments in regional New Zealand.

Automated summary

This study in Hawke's Bay, New Zealand, addresses the high rates of childhood obesity in the region and aims to identify and target underlying drivers of this issue through cognitive mapping interviews with local stakeholders. The study emphasizes the importance of incorporating Maori knowledge and ways of being, promoting children's hauora, working with the community, and integrating existing initiatives to improve children's food environments in the region.