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Rangahau · Research Programme

Ngā whenu haumaru hei raranga: Social Wellbeing

About this research

Summary

Since the arrival of visitors to Aotearoa, Māori have always been quick to assess and adapt language, technology and information. Contemporary society brings new languages, technology and information instantly to our fingertips. New pressures and demands can be a consequence of readily accessible knowledge. For all its advances, there are also disadvantages. For rangatahi, those with addictions and Māori whānau connections and wellbeing can be negatively affected.

This programme of research investigates examples of Māori approaches to social wellbeing. Through a series of research activities undertaken by the research team, a case study will emerge reflective of collaborative interactions with key stakeholder organisations. Utilising qualitative methods such as key informant, wānanga, hui, photo elicitation and go along interviews, the research is primed to capitalise on the collaborative relationships to affect national policy and regional service delivery.

Research Question

How can the unique contributions of a Māori worldview that upholds and supports rangatahi and whānau contribute to Māori social wellbeing?

Lead Researcher

Professor Bridgette Masters-Awatere, University of Waikato

Research Team

Dr Pita King, Te Rarawa, Massey University 

Dr Moana Rarere, Rongomaiwahine, Ngāti Kahungunu, Tūhoe, Whakatōhea, University of Waikato

Dr Rewi Nankivell, Ngāti Maniapoto, Ngā Puhi, University of Waikato

Dr Eleanor Britain, Ngati Kahungunu ki Te Wairoa, Ngāti Raikaipaka, Massey University – Wellington

Dr Ririwai Fox, Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa, Ngāti Porou, University of Waikato

Hans Tiakiwai, Tūhoe, Te Wharekura o Ruatoki?

Megan Fitzpatrick, Te Rarawa, Ngāti Hine, Ngāpuhi, Waikato University

Prof Darrin Hodgetts, Kai Tahu, Massey University – Albany

Tiana Watkins, Ngāi te Rangi, Ngāti Pūkenga, Ngāti Ranginui, Waikato University

Since the arrival of visitors to Aotearoa, Māori have always been quick to assess and adapt language, technology and information. Contemporary society brings new languages, technology and information instantly to our fingertips. New pressures and demands can be a consequence of readily accessible knowledge. For all its advances, there are also disadvantages. For rangatahi, those with addictions and Māori whānau connections and wellbeing can be negatively affected.

This programme of research investigates examples of Māori approaches to social wellbeing. Through a series of research activities undertaken by the research team, a case study will emerge reflective of collaborative interactions with key stakeholder organisations. Utilising qualitative methods such as key informant, wānanga, hui, photo elicitation and go along interviews, the research is primed to capitalise on the collaborative relationships to affect national policy and regional service delivery.

Kairangahau · Researchers

Ētahi atu · Other projects

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"Seeing" kāpō Māori: Documenting the oft invisibilized experiences of kāpō Māori during and post-COVID-19
Wā rangahau · Timeline Commenced 2020 · Completed 2021

Western views on disability & underfunding of Indigenous health marginalises kāpō Māori. New research aims to change this & centre kāpō Māori lifeworlds Traditional forms of Māori story-telling describe strong and knowledgeable kāpō Māori. Ongoing processes of colonisation has seen experiences of marginalisation, invisibility, and ‘othering’ become the norm…

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Internship project

Māori whānau experience of Hospital Transfers
Whare wānanga · Host University of Waikato
Wā rangahau · Timeline Commenced 2017

This summer internship joins and contributes to a research project on Māori whānau experience of Hospital Transfers by being involved and undertaking literature review, in depth analysis of interview data and considering and reflecting on their research and the research impact and contribution. Publicly-funded hospitals are large healthcare institutions…

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Full project

Hospital transfers: Whānau involvement in the healing equation
Whare wānanga · Host University of Waikato
Wā rangahau · Timeline Commenced 2016

While all hospitalisations can be stressful for patients and their whānau, hospitalisations involving transfers away from home can be even more so and can present unique issues in terms of how whānau negotiate distance, unfamiliarity, active engagement and help-seeking. In this study, we are interested in better understanding how whānau facilitate support…

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