Purposeful conception : customary traditions and contemporary applications of Te Whare Tangata in the creation of wellbeing : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for a Master of Philosophy in Rehabilitation Studies at Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
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Date
2015
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Massey University
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Abstract
Māori continue to feature significantly in New Zealand statistics for mental health.
Customary traditions and contemporary applications of te whare tangata in creating
wellbeing discusses the ways in which te whare tangata traditions were engaged to
protect and nurture Māori women in their role as the architects of future generations
and further ensure positive wellbeing. Framed inside qualitative research methods and
guided by kaupapa Māori research theories provided a tikanga framework, thereby
maintaining cultural responsiveness to the research using Mana wāhine theories and
providing a safe space to discuss the historic struggle Māori women have endured as a
result of colonisation. Six Māori women of kuia status from Te Taitokerau participated
in semi-structured interviews, discussing their observations, experience and active
roles of te whare tangata across their life span. Kuia narratives are organised into the
three stages of creation - Te Kore, Te Pō and Te Ao Mārama - with each stage
representing a significant developmental period in te whare tangata. The customary
traditions of te whare tangata have their origins in Māori cosmology which provided
Māori with the blueprint to survive in volatile environments, none more volatile than
the migration of western cultures and colonisation, which took Māori to the brink of
extinction. However, Kuia Participants share stories of resistance and resilience in their
own journeys through life and of how the customary traditions of te whare tangata
have been transformed and remain relevant. Kuia narratives consistently reflect upon
relationship building and maintenance being at the core of Māori wellbeing. They
spoke about relationships not only being across human cultures, but the ability to
develop relationships with all that surround us.
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Maori women, Maori mental health, Whare tangata, Maori well-being, Maori knowledge