Cancer Research Trust NZ (CRT NZ) is proud to announce its newly gifted Māori name – Titikaha Rangahau i ngā Mate Pukupuku.

CRT NZ Executive Director Douglas Ormrod says the Board and Assessment Committee recognised the importance of being responsive to the unique needs of Māori in relation to cancer prevention, treatment and end of life care and that the inclusion of a Māori name is an important first step.

“The Trust undertook to create a Māori name that reflects our work and aims, however, doing so is not simply a question of using Google Translate to change the English words to Māori," said Dr Ormrod.

"It requires the input of an experienced Māori translator who also understands the disproportionate burden cancer places on Māori."The name Titikaha Rangahau i ngā Mate Pukupuku was bestowed on the Trust by Māori linguist and educator Evelyn M Tobin NZOM, a member of the Mā Te Reo Fund and the Māori Language Commission.

“Titikaha Rangahau i ngā Mate Pukupuku is not a translation of the Trusts name,” Ms Tobin says.

“It’s an interpretation that places emphasis on the people at the heart of the trust and the vital research work needed to find better ways to deal with cancer.”

In addition, care was taken to ensure that any person reading the Māori title quickly and completely comprehends the work that the Trust leads.

The Te Reo name for the Trust, 'Titikaha Rangahau i ngā Mate Pukupuku', is broken down as follows:

Titikaha - steadfast, resolute, committed, dedicated

Rangahau - research

ngā - plural article that recognises the many variations of cancer

Mate Pukupuku - cancer

The Trust acknowledges that while this name is an important first step in being more responsive to Māori in relation to cancer prevention, treatment and end of life care, it is part of a longer journey and the work has just begun.

Dr Ormrod added that the Trust is grateful that Ms Tobin volunteered to undertake this task on behalf of Cancer Research Trust NZ.