EXPRESS: He Aronga Takirua: Cultural Double Shifting of Māori Scientists
Can cultural identify be a disadvantage for indigenous employees? Can it lead to critical issues around workload and pressures? This paper explores the role of cultural identity for Māori, the indigenous people of Aotearoa/New Zealand, and the findings are telling. We target Māori scientists, given their limited number but growing legislated sector demands around cultural engagement. A number of studies are conducted. Study one (12 interviews) identified cultural themes of whakawhanaungatanga (relationship management), kawenga (responsibilities), and taumaha (workload). Study two (wave 1 and wave 2) focused on a large cohort of Māori scientists (between 41-60) and themes showed commonality with study one. In addition, further themes emerged were āheinga tangata (human capacity), tikanga (correct practice), hauora (wellbeing) and umanga takaware (career disruption). Ultimately, we classify these pressures as aronga takirua (cultural double-shift) and present a theoretical model for understanding drivers and consequences of this cultural double-shift for Māori scientists. Finally, study two (wave 3) and study three were additional studies to examine job descriptions/contracts and overall, we find limited employer support for adequate engagement in cultural roles. These findings reinforcing the themes from the previous studies. Implications for employers and the sector are discussed.