About this research
Jenni Tupu (Ngāpuhi, Te Aupōuri, Ngāti Hine, Sāmoa), University of Otago
This research considers the identity journeys of Māori who were adopted during the closed adoption period 1955-1985 in Aotearoa. This work considers their quests in seeking identity as Māori, having been raised by non-Māori. Included are the stories of tamariki and mokopuna, where the adoption has become intergenerational with a possible continued disconnection from whakapapa. Participants discussed this and were asked;
“Do Māori adoptees, raised by non-Māori, connect to their Māori identity and does this contribute to their cultural wellbeing?”
This project aims to improve capability and capacity in research about identity development from an indigenous perspective. I believe that to change the current social landscape we must change our practice of adoption and the placement and care of tamariki to embed a stronger understanding of Māori tikanga and to restore mana to our whānau Māori who are included in the decisions about the care of our tamariki. This work also considered this with participants;
“Where were the rights of the child considered in the adoption of Māori children to non-Māori families during the closed adoption period 1955-1985 in Aotearoa New Zealand?”
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Dr Sue Adams
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Kairangahau · Researchers
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Professor Chellie Spiller
Professor Chellie Spiller
Dr Chellie Spiller, of Matawhaiti Iwitea, Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairoa, is Professor of Management and Leadership, and Associate Dean Māori at the University of Waikato. She was previously a senior lecturer and Associate Dean Māori and Pacific at the University of Auckland Business School. She has over 30 years of corporate experience in tourism, finance and marketing, holding senior executive positions in New Zealand and abroad, and brings this experience to her academic work and leadership and management development programmes. Her research explores how Māori and indigenous businesses create…