"Takahi ngā takahanga o ngā tūpuna" - Tramp the pathways of our ancestors

Abstract

The rise of reconnecting to holistic approaches to health to improve wellbeing outcomes for Māori has become increasingly prominent in recent years. Such developments have highlighted the need to introduce traditional Māori concepts, values and practices within whānau, hapū and iwi as vehicles for promoting and improving Māori health. This research had two objectives. Firstly, it aimed to explore the process of reclaiming mātauranga Māori (Māori knowledge systems) with my whānau who had limited access to te ao Māori (the Māori world). The second objective sought to explore the experiences of my whānau reconnecting with te reo me ōna tikanga (Māori language and culture). Using the Whiti Te Rā as a guide informed the design and structure of the wānanga (workshops). The Whiti Te Rā is a therapeutic model designed to improve health and wellbeing outcomes for Māori by developing and enhancing a cultural identity. Central to this model are six Māori customary practices and values that provide pathways to wellbeing and flourishing mauri. These dimensions also have synergies with other models of health – Te Whare Tapa Whā, Te Wheke. Four tāne (men) from my whānau took part in this research. We used the Pūrākau Method to record, explore, and analyse the narratives that emerged following each wānanga. The key findings from this research included connection to history, whakapapa and wairua; connection to pepeha and cultural practices; connection to self as a Māori; connection through whanaungatanga; and connection to taiao (the environment). This study showed that Māori models of health and wellbeing are consistent in demonstrating their effectiveness in connecting Māori to their language and culture. Despite the impact of colonisation, reconnection to customary practices and values was meaningful and valuable to my whānau. Future research is needed to revitalise, regenerate and reclaim a thriving Māori identity.