Kaupapa Māori

Reflexivity in Kaupapa Māori Research: “He Ua Kōwhai”

• We need to approach our research in a way that values the mana, leadership, language and family of those we are working with.

• We need to be aware that kaupapa develops and changes over time, in different contexts and within different whanau - they are diverse. 

• We need to adapt the way we think and behave as researchers to meet the needs of our whanau and their context.

• Do our assumptions and research processes support the wellbeing of Māori?

The key messages from Māori about education:

1. Reo & tikanga are essential.

2. Structural racism and a lack of understanding to the Māori world view do a disservice to our Māori students.

3. Whānau need to be well informed

4. Māori look for a philosophy where Māori success included academic, cultural and life skills.

5. Māori want more say over governance and initiatives.

6. Need to establish more kōhanga and kura.

My thoughts:

Looking at these ideas and the research cycle based around the kowhai tree, where 'A knowing whānau is a healthy whānau' makes me think that the wellbeing of Māori needs to be at the core of our research. 

What's the purpose? 

Are my research questions based in what is important to Māori? Is my approach familiar to their kaupapa? 

Is it of any value?

My results - will the be accessible to the community? Will it answer the questions they are asking? Will it help identify the next research steps we should be taking?