About this research
Project Summary
This research focussed on investigating the transformative impact of Waka Ama, the traditional sport of outrigger canoe paddling, on young Māori women, guided by the holistic principles of Kaupapa Māori. Deeply rooted in cultural values and aspirations, the study explored how Waka Ama aligns with Māori cultural identity, fostering a profound sense of belonging and strengthening cultural connections among the participants, ultimately contributing to their flourishing Māori futures.
The research delves into the positive influence of active engagement in Waka Ama on the physical health of these young women, promoting teamwork, fitness, and overall vitality, thereby enhancing their potential for flourishing Māori futures.
Beyond the physical realm, the study delves into the psychological and emotional growth of the participants, unveiling how Waka Ama nurtures self-esteem, leadership skills, and resilience, thus further enriching their opportunities for flourishing Māori futures and overall well-being.
Its findings contribute to the broader discourse on Indigenous sports and well-being, while fostering the celebration and preservation of cultural heritage and nurturing the flourishing Māori futures of these young women, ensuring they thrive as leaders and contributors within the Māori community. Ultimately, the research celebrates the empowerment of young Māori women through their engagement in Waka Ama, enriching their lives and preserving their cultural heritage, while paving the way for their flourishing Māori futures.
Project Lead
Kay Berryman, University of Waikato
This research explored how participation in Waka Ama supports the wellbeing of young Māori women. Grounded in Kaupapa Māori, it examined how the sport strengthens cultural identity, promotes health and fitness, and builds leadership and resilience—supporting their flourishing as rangatahi Māori and contributing to the celebration and preservation of mātauranga Māori through sport.
Kairangahau · Researchers
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Dr Alayne Mikahere-Hall
Dr Alayne Mikahere-Hall
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Kairangahau · Researchers
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Associate Professor Donna Cormack
Associate Professor Donna Cormack
Dr Donna Cormack (Kai Tahu, Kāti Māmoe) is an Associate Professor at Te Kupenga Hauora Māori, University of Auckland.Donna is course director for the postgraduate papers MAORIHTH 710 Kaupapa Māori Theory, and MAORIHTH 709 Transformative Research for Māori Health, and co-convenes MAORIHTH711 Kaupapa Māori quantitative research. Donna teaches into other undergraduate and postgraduate papers in the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences. She is also an active member of Tōmaiora Research Centre within Te Kupenga Hauora Māori. Her research focuses on racism and other forms of oppression… -
Professor Sarah-Jane Paine
Professor Sarah-Jane Paine
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Professor Papaarangi Reid
Professor Papaarangi Reid
Papaarangi is Tumuaki and Head of Department of Maori Health at the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, New Zealand. She holds science and medical degrees from the University of Auckland and is a specialist in public health medicine. She has tribal affiliations to Te Rarawa in the Far North of Aotearoa and her research interests include analysing disparities between indigenous and non-indigenous citizens as a means of monitoring government commitment to indigenous rights. -
Professor Ricci Harris
Professor Ricci Harris
Professor Ricci Harris (Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Raukawa) is a public health physician and Kaupapa Māori epidemiologist at Te Rōpū Rangahau Hauora a Eru Pōmare.Her research is primarily concerned with upholding Māori rights to health and health equity as ensured by Te Tiriti o Waitangi and in-line with International Indigenous Rights.She draws on Kaupapa Māori Research theory to undertake and develop decolonial approaches to epidemiology that centre Māori and are contextualised within systems of ongoing racism and colonialism. This has included research into the classification of… -
Dr Arama Rata
Dr Arama Rata
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Hana Burgess
Hana Burgess
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