Acknowledging the Māori cultural values and beliefs embedded in rongoā Māori healing

2017 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 75 ◽  
Author(s):  
Glenis Mark ◽  
Kerry Chamberlain ◽  
Amohia Boulton

<p>An exploration of rongoā Māori (a system of Māori healing based on Māori cultural traditions) was conducted to ascertain the cultural values and beliefs of Māori, the Indigenous peoples of Aotearoa/New Zealand, that are related to Māori healing. A Kaupapa Māori approach utilising Māori cultural concepts throughout the research process guided the overall study design. Semi-structured narrative interviews were conducted in 2009 and 2010 with 17 rongoā Māori healers. The rourou Māori method of data analysis, a 3-step process created specifically for this project, was employed to analyse healers’ talk about the underlying concepts of rongoā Māori healing. Two key topics emerged: concepts of healing, and the focus of healing. The importance of acknowledging Māori cultural values and beliefs inherent within rongoā Māori healing concepts and the focus of healing is discussed. </p>

2021 ◽  
pp. 073346482110375
Author(s):  
Oliver Menzies ◽  
Margaret Dudley ◽  
Nick Garrett ◽  
Hinemoa Elder ◽  
Piripi Daniels ◽  
...  

Aim: The aim of this study is to investigate Māori (Indigenous peoples of Aotearoa New Zealand) understandings of dementia ( mate wareware) and develop a framework to inform assessment of cognitive impairment. Method: Qualitative, kaupapa Māori (M āori approach) research with 241 older Māori ( kaumātua) involving 17 focus groups across Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ) and eight families ( whānau) from one region. We thematically analyzed transcribed data from audio-recorded interviews. Results: Two overarching themes, namely, connection ( Tūhononga) and self ( Whaiaro), and eight subthemes in particular mind ( hinengaro), spirit ( wairua), body ( tinana), family ( whānau), social connection ( whanaungatanga), identity and role ( tuakiri), place ( wāhi), and ancestors ( tūpuna) emerged. Māori language ( Te Reo Māori) was important for cognitive health. Conclusion: The findings embedded in cultural values improve understanding of dementia ( mate wareware) in Māori. These themes can inform the assessment of older Māori with cognitive impairment. For those without cognitive impairment, the Tūhononga Whaiaro framework suggests factors potentially crucial for healthy aging in Māori.


Author(s):  
Kimiora Raerino ◽  
Alex Macmillan ◽  
Adrian Field ◽  
Rau Hoskins

In settler countries, attention is now extending to the wellbeing benefits of recognising and promoting the Indigenous cultural identity of neighbourhoods as a contributing factor to more equitable and healthier communities. Re-indigenisation efforts to (re)implement cultural factors into urban design can be challenging and ineffective without the leadership and collaboration of local-Indigenous peoples. Undertaken in Aotearoa New Zealand, Te Ara Mua — Future Street project, demonstrated that co-design has critical potential in the reclamation of Indigenous autonomy, increased local-Indigenous presence and revitalisation of cultural identity. Employing a Kaupapa Māori (Māori-centred) research approach, we focused on the workings and perspectives of mana whenua (local-Indigenous peoples) and community stakeholder engagement in Te Ara Mua. An Indigenous theoretical framework, Te Pae Mahutonga, was utilised in the data analysis to explore perspectives of Indigenous collective agency, empowerment, and wellbeing. Our research demonstrates that developing capacity amongst Indigenous communities is integral for effective engagement and that the realisation of autonomy in urban design projects has broader implications for Indigenous sovereignty, spatial justice and health equity. Significantly, we argue that future community enhancement strategies must include not only re-designing and re-imagining initiatives, but also re-indigenising.


2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. 387-394
Author(s):  
Jacquie Kidd ◽  
Heather Came ◽  
Sarah Herbert ◽  
Tim McCreanor

This pilot study explored Māori (Indigenous peoples of Aotearoa (New Zealand)) and Tauiwi (non-Māori) nurses’ perspectives of anti-racism. A critical qualitative design was utilised, informed by kaupapa Māori (Māori philosophical approaches). Senior nurses with more than 7 years experience were recruited for focus groups. Two focus groups, one Māori ( n = 5) and one Tauiwi ( n = 4), were conducted September 2019 in Auckland. Data were analysed using the framework of a continuum of praxis which included themes of (a) problematic or racist, (b) variable and (c) proactive or anti-racism. Problematic praxis included examples of racism and White fragility. Variable praxis included Māori language and commitment to professional development. Proactive praxis included Māori workforce and reflexivity. These overarching themes illustrate a broad spectrum of anti-racism praxis within nursing. This continuum illustrated with examples is a potentially useful tool to assess and build proactive anti-racism praxis in nursing.


Author(s):  
Margaret Wilkie

Article Three of the Treaty of Waitangi promises Maori equal rights to enjoy the benefits of citizenship in Aotearoa/New Zealand, including quality education. We have had more than a century of bad news about the failure of the education system to uphold that promise. It is now, at the beginning of the 21st century, with the renaissance for Maori responding to the systemic failures by claiming and reframing the problems and implementing Maori-centred solutions, that progress is being made. Kaupapa Maori is emerging from within the Maori world itself with practical solutions that work for Maori and begin to impact positively at all levels of education, from early childhood through to post- graduate studies. This renewal has positive effects for the whole nation and potentially offers models for other minority indigenous peoples of the world to draw from and adapt for their own development.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tia Neha ◽  
Angus Macfarlane ◽  
Sonja Macfarlane ◽  
Te Hurinui Clarke ◽  
Melissa Derby ◽  
...  

Purpose The research in the field of Indigenous peoples and the espousal of their cultural values in the work environment is recognised as being important as a means of overcoming workplace inequities. The purpose of this paper is to examine research about Maori, the Indigenous people of Aotearoa New Zealand that may inform future enterprises for the long-term prosperity of marginalised Indigenous peoples. Design/methodology/approach This study reviews the literature on unique cultural dynamics of whanau Maori (New Zealand Maori family/community) study practices and the importance of work/home/life balance. Furthermore, it considers strengths-based community enterprises that can lead to sustainable prosperity for Maori. Findings The review yielded three theoretical principles that explain mana (sociocultural and psychological well-being), which can be generalised across multiple contexts, with the workplace being one of these contexts. These principles of mana create a contextual match with whanau external realities; an experiential match of a mana empowerment framework that transfers to the study context and an interpersonal understanding of being understood and empowered within the study context. Research limitations/implications The literature review has been limited to research from 2005 onwards and to research that investigates Maori, the Indigenous peoples of Aotearoa New Zealand. Although the review of the literature has these limitations, the review may be of interest to other studies of Indigenous peoples worldwide. Practical implications The key factors are interwoven, and their importance is considered in relation to the development of positive and supportive environments, which link to job retention, satisfaction and productivity in the workplace for Maori. This, in turn, can have beneficial knock-on effects for not only the New Zealand economy but also more importantly for enhancing sustainable livelihoods for upcoming generations. Social implications Tied together, these factors are paramount for cultural, social and ecological benefits for nga rangatahi (young Maori adults) and the wider community in the workplace. Originality/value The literature review’s value and originality derive from a dearth of recent research on supporting nga rangatahi (young Maori adults) for sustainable prosperity.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
William Hatton

<p>Landscapes are a fundamental component for the identity of people. This is evident through the eyes of the indigenous Māori people who express, like many indigenous cultures, that identity is formed from ones interconnected relationship to the land. For Māori, land is embodied as a part of their identity formed by the principle of whakapapa and importantly mātauranga. Mātauranga Māori is the comprehensive body of traditional indigenous knowledge built over centuries of both physical and metaphysical paradigms. Much of the knowledge obtained, originated from te taiao, where the importance of mountains, rivers, lakes, forests and place, established one’s sense of tūrangawaewae.  Since the first colonial migrations to Aotearoa/New Zealand, much of the traditional knowledge acquired and developed over generation’s are at great risk of western dominance. Western science and knowledge has altered the endemic Aotearoa/New Zealand landscape dramatically depleting many natural ecologies. Forests and waterways continue to be in jeopardy from commercialisation and urbanisation, where the current urban environment questions the way we appreciate and make sense of our endemic natural landscape. Alterations to the land has prompted changes in people’s beliefs and values, and sense of identity.  Mātauranga has slowly begun to be reintroduced into the urban environment as a progressive way forward. This research builds upon the concept to promote mātauranga, reconnecting people and place, and improving one’s sense of identity. With more than 88% of Māori now residing in urban areas, and many non-Māori unaware of indigenous cultural values and beliefs, the focus looks to provide a place of gathering, learning, engaging, reflecting, healing and belonging, preserving and appreciating Aotearoa/New Zealand’s cultural expression of the landscape. The research looks upon a regenerating valley system near the heart of Wellington City, reviving the Māori beliefsof ki uta ki tai and that of hīkoi. The research looks at opportunities to better express and understand bi-culturalism</p>


2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jacquie Kidd ◽  
Shemana Cassim ◽  
Anna Rolleston ◽  
Rawiri Keenan ◽  
Ross Lawrenson ◽  
...  

Co-designed research is gaining prominence within the health care space. Community engagement is a key premise of co-design and is also particularly vital when carrying out kaupapa Māori research. Kaupapa Māori describes a “by Māori, for Māori” approach to research in Aotearoa/New Zealand. This article discusses the research process of Hā Ora: a co-design project underpinned by a kaupapa Māori approach. The objective was to explore the barriers to early presentation and diagnosis of lung cancer, barriers identified by Māori. The team worked with four rural Māori communities, with whom we aimed to co-design local interventions that would promote earlier diagnosis of lung cancer. This article highlights and unpacks the complexities of carrying out community- engaged co-design with Māori who live in rural communities. In particular, we draw attention to the importance of flexibility and adaptability in the research process. We highlight issues pertaining to timelines and budgets, and also the intricacies of involving co-governance and advisory groups. Overall, through this article, we argue that health researchers need to prioritise working with and for participants, rather than on them, especially when working with Māori communities.


2019 ◽  
pp. 088626051987229 ◽  
Author(s):  
Denise Wilson ◽  
Alayne Mikahere-Hall ◽  
Debra Jackson ◽  
Karina Cootes ◽  
Juanita Sherwood

Māori women (Aotearoa New Zealand’s Indigenous women) experience a high burden of harm and homicide associated with intergenerational family violence, complicated by the ongoing effects of colonialism. Also, the historical, social, and cultural complexities, such as poverty and structural racism, challenge further Māori women seeking help. In this project, we sought to answer two questions: What are Māori women’s sociocultural constructions of “love” within relationships with violent partners? What roles do traditional cultural values play in their relationships? Using Kaupapa Māori (by Māori, for Māori) methodology, we conducted in-depth semi-structured interviews with 27 Māori women and analyzed them using thematic analysis. We identified three core themes that explain how Māori women enter into, stay in, and leave a relationship with a violent partner: (a) it begins with a connection, (b) downplaying the signs, and (c) needing to leave. We found that Māori women’s compassion and caring for their partner was underpinned by their recognition that partners had the potential to be nonviolent and resembled Māori cultural concepts of aroha (compassion, empathy, and respect) and manaakitanga (hospitality, sharing, and caring for others). Through sharing their stories, these women revealed the strength of cultural imperatives that include the importance of whakapapa (genealogy) and whanaungatanga (connections) of which aroha and manaakitanga are integral parts. Our findings highlight the complexity and competing tensions underpinning Māori women’s decision-making when entering and exiting violent relationships. These cultural imperatives are essential for understanding how these influence the decision-making of Māori women, which can position them at odds with those who would tell them they must walk away and not look back.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
William Hatton

<p>Landscapes are a fundamental component for the identity of people. This is evident through the eyes of the indigenous Māori people who express, like many indigenous cultures, that identity is formed from ones interconnected relationship to the land. For Māori, land is embodied as a part of their identity formed by the principle of whakapapa and importantly mātauranga. Mātauranga Māori is the comprehensive body of traditional indigenous knowledge built over centuries of both physical and metaphysical paradigms. Much of the knowledge obtained, originated from te taiao, where the importance of mountains, rivers, lakes, forests and place, established one’s sense of tūrangawaewae.  Since the first colonial migrations to Aotearoa/New Zealand, much of the traditional knowledge acquired and developed over generation’s are at great risk of western dominance. Western science and knowledge has altered the endemic Aotearoa/New Zealand landscape dramatically depleting many natural ecologies. Forests and waterways continue to be in jeopardy from commercialisation and urbanisation, where the current urban environment questions the way we appreciate and make sense of our endemic natural landscape. Alterations to the land has prompted changes in people’s beliefs and values, and sense of identity.  Mātauranga has slowly begun to be reintroduced into the urban environment as a progressive way forward. This research builds upon the concept to promote mātauranga, reconnecting people and place, and improving one’s sense of identity. With more than 88% of Māori now residing in urban areas, and many non-Māori unaware of indigenous cultural values and beliefs, the focus looks to provide a place of gathering, learning, engaging, reflecting, healing and belonging, preserving and appreciating Aotearoa/New Zealand’s cultural expression of the landscape. The research looks upon a regenerating valley system near the heart of Wellington City, reviving the Māori beliefsof ki uta ki tai and that of hīkoi. The research looks at opportunities to better express and understand bi-culturalism</p>


Author(s):  
Bruno Marques ◽  
Claire Freeman ◽  
Lyn Carter

Although research has long established that interaction with the natural environment is associated with better overall health and well-being outcomes, the Western model mainly focuses on treating symptoms. In Aotearoa/New Zealand, the Indigenous Māori have long demonstrated significantly more negative health outcomes than non-Māori. Little research has examined the causes compared to Western populations or the role of the natural environment in health outcomes for Māori. An exploration of rongoā Māori (traditional healing system) was conducted to ascertain the importance of landscape in the process of healing. Eight rongoā healers or practitioners took part in semi-structured narrative interviews from June to November 2020. Transcribed interviews were analysed using an interpretative phenomenological analysis and Kaupapa Māori techniques. The findings show how rongoā is underpinned by a complex set of cultural values and beliefs, drawing from the connection to wairua (spirit), tinana (body), tikanga and whakaora (customs and healing), rākau (plants), whenua (landscape) and whānau (family). Incorporating such constructs into the landscape can foster our understanding of health and well-being and its implications for conceptualising therapeutic environments and a culturally appropriate model of care for Māori and non-Māori communities.


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