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    Em-power lifting : a case study of women’s weightlifting in Aotearoa : a research report submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirement for the degree of Master of International Development, Institute of Development Studies, School of People, Environment and Planning, Te Kunenga Ki Pūrehuroa – Massey University Aotearoa New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2022) Ogilvy, Jamie R. I.
    Through application of an Indigenous (Māori) informed theoretical framing, articulated as Mana Wāhine values, this research report explores the phenomenon of weightlifting with Indigenous (Māori) women from Aotearoa New Zealand, as a vehicle for empowerment. The research project was guided by two main research questions, firstly, what is the role of weightlifting in developing personal, relational, and collective empowerment for Aotearoa New Zealand Indigenous (Māori) women? Secondly, how does this empowerment align with strengthening the values, understood as Mana Wāhine values, of Indigenous (Māori) women? Data was collected via in-depth semi-structured interviews, nine wāhine (female) participants and one tane (male) participant. All participants were aged between 20 – 50 years old and had been participating in strength sports as an athlete or coach or both; six female and one male who were current or past Olympic weightlifters, two female strong women competitors and one power lifter. All participants were of Māori decent or coached wāhine Māori or were allies/accomplices (Whitinui, 2021) of Māori women in strength sport. Findings suggest that weightlifting and strength-based training enhanced the development of the self, increased body satisfaction thus positivity towards body image because women identifying as feeling physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually strong and thus powerful. Their ability to set and achieve goals was enhanced and this carried over into other areas of life. While seemingly an individual sport, feelings of belonging and camaraderie indicated better relational empowerment, as well as collective empowerment due to being part of the lifting community and subscribing to a similar kaupapa. In terms of how these changes aligned with Mana Wāhine values, wāhine spoke about having a sense of authority, notions of manaakitanga and giving back to others and the kaupapa of strong wāhine. Overall, this research highlights that strength-based sport like weightlifting can be a vehicle for personal, relational, and collective empowerment with these elements lending themselves towards strengthening Mana Wāhine values. Of great importance here was the transformative implications noted for women. However, any broader transformative impacts beyond the individuals will require the ongoing challenges of predetermined ideologies i.e., stereotypes of women not being strong, or norms, rules, exclusionary practices and under resourcing, for example, which sees women’s lifting to be situated at the margins. Empowerment of the individual is all well and good, but the individual can only go so far. “Empowerment requires changes to systems, rules, and norms, which undermine large groups of people [Māori women], as well as changes at the level of the individual” (Scheyvens, 2020, p. 120).
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    Tūpekepeke! Māori knowledge and practices in health and physical education : the perspectives, experiences and aspirations of secondary school teachers' : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Masters of Arts in Māori Studies at Massey University, Palmerston North, Aotearoa New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2016) Tawhai, Daniel Tiotio Burfield
    This thesis explores What are the perspectives, experiences and aspirations of secondary school Health and Physical Education teachers’ to better implement Māori knowledge and practices in their lessons? Individual, semi-structured, in-depth qualitative interviews were conducted with three secondary school Health and Physical Education (HPE) teachers with similar teaching experience, but different ethnic backgrounds. It was found that HPE teachers see Māori knowledge and practices as an effective way to enhance Māori student achievement, increase awareness of Māori culture amongst non-Māori students, and promote the overall development of Aotearoa New Zealand as a nation where indigenous knowledge and practices are a valued and contributing part of life and society. In order to achieve this, HPE teachers recommended development in teacher training programmes, professional development for practicing teachers’, and the development of resources and networks of teachers in the area of Māori knowledge and practices specific to HPE in Aotearoa New Zealand
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    What health changes occur in Māori males after retirement from playing rugby league? = He aha ngā huringa hauora e puta ana i roto i ngā tāne Māori i muri i te reti mai i te tākaro i te rīki whutupāoro? : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy at Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2018) Clark, Trevor Tuwhakaea
    Māori male participation in rugby league is prolific at all levels in New Zealand; however rugby league has a high incidence of injury. The demands of the sport require players to be athletically fit, strong, and healthy during their playing careers. But does any health advantage remain once retired from participation? This exploratory study is the first health study of Māori men who have retired from playing competitive rugby league in New Zealand. It uses mixed-methods within a Māori-centered approach producing research led by Māori that involves Māori, and is intended for the benefit of Māori. The mixed method approach creates both quantitative and qualitative data and evidence. This study researched four groups of ex-players at increasing levels of engagement. One hundred and fifty-four Maori men were involved in the initial survey assessment. This survey was followed by a detailed analysis of 25 players who were assessed on multiple measures of health and physiology. This process was repeated 18 months later with 15 returning respondents and elaborated on (A) Physical well-being post-play; (B) Injuries experienced during play (through a retrospective analysis); (C) Self-assessed well-being; and (D) Change over time for a small group. Lastly 10 players took part in ‘kanohi ki te kanohi’ (face to face) interviews so the players could tell their own stories and their experience of the research in more detail. As an exploratory study, this research sought to define the factors that contribute to the health status of Māori men who have retired from playing rugby league. The research tested the use of mixed methods to generate quantitative data from physical and physiological testing, results from self-reported health factors, such as rates of smoking and bodily pain, and the qualitative information about the men’s experiences in retirement and of the research experiences from semi structured interviews held kanohi ki te kanohi. Four key findings come from the study; 1) The health disadvantage for Māori males is also seen in retired Rugby league players, in particular weight gain, pain; 2) Positive changes in repeated measures provide encouraging evidence; 3) Telling personal stories contributed significantly to the research by providing insight into the thinking and experiences of the participants - Whānau (family) was a strong feature in the stories from these men. Most importantly it confirms there is strong potential for intervention to improve and maintain health status for retiring and retired Māori rugby league players, and; 4) The presence of a Māori researcher can positively influence engagement with Māori-centered research. Results yielded evidence of a positive reduction in body weight, improved cardiovascular fitness and increased motivation in some players simply through their participation in this research, possibly through the Hawthorne or observer effect. This research explored a previously under-researched area and provided insight into Māori male health. It informs an on-going agenda of health related, rugby research by providing a needed Māori voice and evidence.
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    Kia taupunga te ngākau Māori : anchoring Māori health workforce potential : a thesis presented for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy, Māori Studies, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2006) Gillies, Annemarie
    In New Zealand Māori are under-represented in the workforce across multiple sectors. This thesis explores this incongruity with regard to Māori health. A Māori perspective and philosophical foundation formed the basis of the methodological approach, utilising a case study research design to inform the study. This provided the opportunity to explore Māori health workforce development initiatives and their potential to contribute to improvements and gains in Māori health. It was important that this work take into account social and economic factors and their impact on health, as well as the varying political climates of market oriented reform and a fiscal policy focus, because it has not only challenged Māori health development but also provided opportunities for increased Māori involvement and participation in health and New Zealand society. Therefore the thesis, while focused on health takes cognisance of and, coincides with the capacity and capability building efforts that have been a feature of overall Māori development, progress and advancement. In the context of this thesis Māori health workers are seen as leaders within their whānau, hapū, iwi, and Māori communities. Consequently a potential workforce that is strong and powerful can lead to anticipated gains in Māori health alongside other Māori movements for advancement. The potential cannot be under-estimated. This thesis argues that there are critical success factors, specific determinants, influencing Māori health workforce potential, and that these success factors have wider application. Therefore, as this thesis suggests Māori workforce development, especially in relationship to the health workforce, is dependent on effective Māori leadership, the application of Māori values to workplace practices, levels of resourcing that are compatible with training and development, critical mass, and targeted policies and programmes.