Māori migration : hau kāinga in relation to tuakiri and hauora : a thesis presented in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts (Psych) at Massey University, Papaoiea, Aotearoa

Abstract

Despite the increasing population of Māori born in Australia, there is a lack of research on how our taitamariki experience tuakiri outside Aotearoa. (This research refers to taitamariki and rangatahi interchangeably to refer specifically to Māori youth.) Māori models of health maintain that wairua is essential for Māori wellbeing; and wellbeing required to achieve a secure tuakiri Māori. Based on accepted indicators of wellbeing, achieving a balanced tuakiri Māori might involve nurturing personal relationships with overlapping aspects of Te Ao Māori, such as whenua, whānau and tino rangatiratanga. Many taitamariki living in Australia face challenges accessing these connected dimensions of tuakiri, which may contribute to health inequalities affecting young Māori migrants. Guided by kaupapa Māori principles, this qualitative study aims to contribute knowledge about the identity of young Māori migrants; and contribute towards Māori health development in Australia within a general kaupapa to uplift the oranga of our people collectively. Thematic analysis was conducted using stories from nine taitamariki residing in Melbourne regarding their experiences of migration on tuakiri Māori. The key themes that emerged from the participants korero were tūrangawaewae, oranga, and mauri, which characterised important aspects of participant’s identities. Findings highlighted negative impacts of migration to wairuatanga, yet participants found strength in their relationships to ‘home’ through a sense of belonging, pride, self-awareness, respect, guidance, support, resilience and self-determination. All sub-themes intersected, representative of the holistic nature of hauora and tuakiri. In conclusion, this research explored the importance of ‘home’ in relation to migrant tuakiri Māori to enhance understanding of Māori wellbeing amongst Rangatahi Māori in Australia. The findings call for whānau/hapū/iwi and Government responsivity to the oranga and wairua of taitamariki in Aotearoa; and active acknowledgment of our taitamariki in Australia as mokopuna and taonga. Keywords: Māori migration, Māori identity, Māori wellbeing, urban Māori youth