Working groups have been established to support the Carosika Collaborative Steering Group and achieve success in delivering on the Strategic Kete and other activities undertaken and supported by the Collaborative. They cover activities that are ongoing, rather than discrete/specific pieces of mahi.

Membership of working groups is open (not restricted to Steering Group and Carosika Whānau Awhina members) with consideration of the need for specific skills, experience and attributes of members. There is opportunity to co-opt members for fixed periods of time/activities. Equity measures are reviewed against membership and participation of those with lived experience from Māori, Pacific, Indian and LGBTQIA+ communities is strongly encouraged and supported.

Working groups report back to the Steering Group at regular intervals.

Student Rōpū - The Student Rōpū was established to encourage and support Māori, Pacific and Indian midwifery and medical students to engage with the Carosika Collaborative. It meets at 1-3 monthly intervals on-line and has a student chairperson. Several members are co-opted to the Steering Group to provide opportunity to gain experience in governance roles. Student Rōpū members are encouraged to join other working groups and research projects.

Educational Events - Education is a key activity for the Collaborative to support and engage our broad audience including healthcare professionals and whānau. Educational events currently include symposia, workshops and webinars. The highlight of the year is an in-person Annual Education Day providing professional development and networking opportunity for healthcare professionals with the opportunity to partner and learn alongside those with lived experience of preterm birth. The Educational Events Working Group meets at a frequency dependent on activity (at least monthly on-line or via email communication).

Communications - The Communications Working Group has supported the development of the Carosika Collaborative website and will have ongoing oversight of website material and maintenance. It is also responsible for general communications including social media and other media opportunities. This group meets monthly on-line or via email communication with some additional activities as required.

Funding Advisory – This Group is responsible for the development and enactment of a funding plan to ensure future sustainability of the Collaborative. Opportunities considered include grants, contracts, sponsorship, philanthropy and service fees. This group meets monthly on-line or via email communication.

Carosika Metrics – The Carosika Metrics were established as a method to measure the impact of Taonga Tuku Iho, our national best practice guide, including addressing issues of equity. It has evolved and expanded, aiming to create a high-quality real-time national pregnancy and pēpi dataset relevant to preterm birth. This working group provides oversight of further development of this dataset and supports research and review using the data.

Please make contact with us if you would like to be considered for any of our Carosika Collaborative working groups.

Dr Katie Groom and Tina Allen-Mokoraka are founding members of the Carosika Collaborative and are the Chair and Deputy Chair of the Carosika Collaborative Steering Group.