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Rangahau · Internship project

Māori whānau mental health and addiction journeys

About this research

Intern

Eileen Wolland, Massey University

Supervisor

Dr Erena Wikaire, Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi

Overview

Māori whānau and communities have been heavily impacted by cannabis and methamphetamine. Despite longstanding calls for drug use and addiction to be treated as health concerns, these issues have continued to be addressed primarily through the criminal justice system. This approach has not worked for Māori, and Māori have rarely been asked to share our stories or offer our own solutions. This project analysed interview data from Māori whānau and key stakeholders about their journeys with cannabis and methamphetamine, exploring what has worked — and what has not — for Māori.

This internship contributed to a larger postdoctoral research fellowship project: a kaupapa Māori analysis of Māori experiences of cannabis and methamphetamine use.

Ētahi atu · Other projects

Research Programme

21-24RP01He oranga whānau: mahi ngātahi: Whānau livelihoods within the context of work and Māori economies of wellbeing
Kaiārahi · Project lead Professor Chellie Spiller
Whare wānanga · Host University of Waikato
Matakitenga · Framework
Wā rangahau · Timeline Commenced 2022 · Completed 2025

He oranga whānau: mahi ngātahi: Whānau livelihoods within the context of work and Māori economies of wellbeing. These groundbreaking works celebrate Māori futures rooted in kaupapa Māori values while fostering pathways for responsible relationships, meaningful lives, and flourishing Indigenous wellbeing economies. By emphasising the central role of whānau…

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21-22INT07Te Au Roa – Predator sound lure trial: Draw possums out of those difficult to reach places on Taranaki Mounga
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Internship project

21-22INT03Tūrou Hawaiki: Morning karakia and waiata as a culturally responsive pedagogy
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Matakitenga · Framework
Wā rangahau · Timeline Commenced 2021 · Completed 2022

This internship explored the wellbeing benefits of daily karakia and waiata at the University of Canterbury, highlighting their role in fostering cultural connection and belonging. Using a braided rivers methodology, the project captured staff and student experiences of these powerful tikanga Māori practices.

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