Raukawa Social Services : origins and future directions : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Social Work at Massey University

Abstract

This thesis examines the origins and the future development of Raukawa Social Services, an initiative by the iwi of Ngati Raukawa ki te Tonga. It examines the contributions and influences that have led to the development of Raukawa Social Services, the issues the Service has had to face and challenges for the future. The development is situated within the context of hapu and iwi and therefore much of the debate focuses upon where the Service is most appropriately sited: iwi, hapu, or a mixture of both. The current devolution of social services in Aotearoa/New Zealand is associated with the devolution of services to iwi and therefore this thesis also addresses the iwi-State relationship as it pertains to Raukawa Social Services. The use of qualitative methods guided by the principles of kaupapa Maori research, as well as the use of the theoretical orientation of the critical tradition has influenced this work. The stories of nine individuals and three hapu groups who are from Ngati Raukawa with strong connections to their whanau, hapu and iwi organisation (Te Runanga o Raukawa and/ or Raukawa Social Services) highlight the issues from their perspective. The findings reveal the importance of strengthening the relationship between iwi and hapu, the need to clearly identify the kind of service best suited to the needs of the hapu and iwi of Ngati Raukawa and whether such needs are inclusive of a relationship with the State. Unanimous support was expressed for the continuation of positive preventative initiatives as a means of dealing with social service issues within Ngati Raukawa. This can .make the relationship between the iwi and the State a difficult one, with funding narrowly channelled towards interventionist methods. The challenge for the Service is to work creatively within the contracts offered to meet both the needs of the State and the hapu of Ngati Raukawa. The recommendations advocate the importance of the hapu-iwi relationship and the concern that there needs to be strategic planning to ensure both of these structures are working together towards a healthier future. It is argued that Raukawa Social Services needs to look at the current structure that they work within and ask if it is the most effective, or whether other structures might more effectively meet the needs of hapu. In looking at a possible relationship with the State there was a belief that any negotiations should not occur at the expense of tino rangatiratanga and Ngati Raukawatanga.