About this research
Project Summary
Every week in Aotearoa, the lives of a disproportionate number of whānau Māori are forever changed by suicide. There are multiple and complex reasons for this, and despite intense efforts focused on prevention, rates remain stubbornly high.
This research uses Kaupapa Māori theory to challenge the current dominant Western explanations for suicide, which fail to consider socio-cultural-political pressures and historical processes such as colonisation as core to Indigenous suicide. Using Indigenous knowledge, it builds on previous research showing a correlation between incremental increases in Māori suicides, and the alienation of Māori from their land, language and identity in the century following the signing of Te Tiriti o Waitangi as successive racist government policies took effect. Specifically, this scoping study is mapping Māori suicides from 1940-2019 against relevant government policy of that era, for comparison with findings from 1840-1939, to build a better understanding of the influence of socio-cultural-political pressures.
This project is a multi-institutional collaboration between Te Hikuwai Rangahau Hauora in the Faculty of Health, Te Herenga Waka–Victoria University of Wellington, and Te Ata Hāpara, the new suicide research centre of excellence in the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, with crucial support from kaumātua.
Research Question
What is the relationship between relevant government policy in Aotearoa from 1940-2019, and Māori suicide rates in those years?
Lead Researcher
Dr Lynne Russell, Ngāti Kahungunu, Rangitāne, Kāi Tahu, Kāti Māmoe, Ngāti Porou, Victoria University of Wellington
Research Team
Sonny Niha, Ngāti Hine, Ngāpuhi, University of Auckland
Te Waere Ti Peeti, Ngāti Rangiwewehi, Ngāti Raukawa ki te Tonga, University of Auckland
Witeria (Witi) Ashby, Ngāti Hine, Ngāti Kawa
This project uses Kaupapa Māori theory to challenge the current dominant Western explanations for suicide, which fail to consider socio-cultural-political pressures and historical processes such as colonisation as core to Indigenous suicide.
Ētahi atu · Other projects
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…
- Mana Touchstones
- Te Ahunga atu ki ngā Ōhanga Oranga Māori: Towards Māori Economies of Wellbeing
- He Rauhī Kupu
He oranga whānau: mahi ngātahi: Whānau livelihoods within the context of work and Māori economies of wellbeing
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, these publications provide actionable insights and inspiration for transformative change in economic and cultural systems.
This internship compiled a database of traditional Māori food preservation practices to better understand archaeological midden sites and mahinga kai history. Working with Otago’s SPAR team, the project links historical knowledge with contemporary preservation techniques across Aotearoa.
View projectInvestigating traditional mahinga kai practices of preservation throughout Aotearoa
This internship compiled a database of traditional Māori food preservation practices to better understand archaeological midden sites and mahinga kai history.
Working with Otago’s SPAR team, the project links historical knowledge with contemporary preservation techniques across Aotearoa.
PHD Candidate: Coral Wiapo (Ngati Whātua) Primary Supervisor(s): Dr Sue Adams Work is underway in Te Tai Tokerau to strengthen the Māori nursing workforce by supporting kaimahi to enter the nursing profession; and registered nurses to advance their scope of practice to become nurse prescribers or nurse practitioners (NPs). Improving access to healthcare for…
View project