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    Getting insight into the wellbeing needs of Māori youth : perspectives of students attending alternative education : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology at Massey University, Albany, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2020) Haerewa, Madeleine Amy
    This research seeks to explore the wellbeing needs of rangatahi Māori (Māori youth) who attend alternative education (AE) in New Zealand (NZ). Rangatahi Māori have a significant disadvantage compared to non-Māori due to disparities in educational attainment and mental health standing. Rangatahi Māori who attend AE are at an even greater disadvantage as they have been excluded from mainstream education, and in attending AE, are identified as a population of youth displaying the highest proportion of health-risk behaviours in NZ. This research produces evidence that holistic approaches to wellbeing are needed to improve outcomes for rangatahi Māori. The study develops a methodological framework for a Māori-centred research praxis, using pūrākau as a form of narrative inquiry and photo-elicitation as an ancillary tool in facilitating rangatahi Māori voices. Both rangatahi Māori and their AE tutor’s perspectives are collected through kanohi-ki-te-kanohi (face-to-face interviews) and focus groups. Key findings identify a range of wellbeing needs for rangatahi Māori, in their whānau (family), school and personal life, after they have navigated mainstream education and are placed within AE environments. Findings demonstrate the importance of rangatahi Māori feeling connected in their relationships and with their environment. This includes relationships with their whānau, tutors, romantic relationships, friendships and connection to their school environment. Rangatahi Māori need to have positive connections with the people in their life and their environment to best support their wellbeing. Findings indicate that whānau-like environments within AE promote school engagement. Furthermore, rangatahi Māori are advantaged when their connections and networks in the greater community are facilitated through their whānau-like relationships within AE. This thesis contributes new knowledge about the wellbeing needs of rangatahi Māori and concludes that a wider pūnaha hauropi (socio-ecological system) approach should be considered to optimise the wellbeing of rangatahi Māori who have or are at risk of experiencing school disenfranchisement.
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    Understanding Māori youth smoking : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Psychology at Massey University
    (Massey University, 2007) Nepe, Melanie
    The understanding of Māori youth smoking from a qualitative perspective has been neglected in the literature. While there has been a wide scope of research detailing the promoting and protective factors that put Māori youth at risk to smoking, there continues to be a high rate of smoking for Māori youth, particularly among young Māori females. This research endeavoured to discover what smoking means to Māori youth, and to explore the relationship between Māori youth smoking, and the effect that culture plays in the development of smoking behaviour. An objective of this research was to gather data that can inform and contribute to existing knowledge about Māori youth smoking, for the development of youth tobacco interventions. A qualitative study using focus groups was conducted to explore the meaning of smoking to Māori youth. The youth were aged 15-18 years of age. The focus groups explored the roles and meanings of smoking in Māori youth lives, by exploring their smoking histories, and maintenance processes involved in their daily experiences of smoking. Findings showed the initiation of smoking was strongly related to peer group membership. Role modeling by family and peers influenced smoking, with the progression of smoking linked to smoking etiquette and transition to adulthood. Maintenance of smoking was related to emotional well being and the normalization of smoking behaviour. Tobacco use was regarded as an important and enjoyable aspect of many of the participants' lives.
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    Are we retaining our Maori talent? : representative youth netballers : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Education at Massey University
    (Massey University, 2007) McCausland-Durie, Yvette
    A case study research method was employed to address the question of retention for Māori youth netballers. Despite the fact that young Māori are well populated in the junior age groups of representative netball, a decline at the senior representative levels is apparent. This decline was particularly evident during the period of adolescence contributing to the research focus. Exploring the retention factors relative to this group required consideration of these three interrelated domains: education, gifted and talented education, and sport. Previous studies related to Māori Education, Māori in Sport, and Gifted Females led to this research. The findings highlighted three key themes: intrapersonal, interpersonal and structural factors. These factors are underpinned by cultural elements which when amalgamated become critical contributors to retention. As such, this research revealed that there is no single factor that will predictably lead to the fulfillment of retention issues for Māori female youth however several conclusions have been drawn. Firstly that the challenge of balancing multiple, and often, conflicting roles as students, athletes, females and Māori is reflective of racial and gender stereotypes in society. Secondly, that our policies in education and sport need to reflect that 'being Maori' is understood in a broader context encompassing both Māri and non-Māori. In practice, operations which reflect Kaupapa Māori principles will further enhance the participants self efficacy which will lead to improved experiences. Enhancing participants' quality of experiences in education and sport requires a recognition that access as a predecessor to retention greatly impacts on the institution or organizations ability to maintain Māori youth interest levels.