Caring for our Wisdom Bearers: Pacific Mātua (Elder) Care Report
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Date
2023
DOI
Open Access Location
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
NIUPATCH Massey University
Rights
© NIUPATCH Massey University 2023
Abstract
This final report outlines findings from research investigating Pacific mātua (elder) care practices and the way in which caring for mātua impacts the health and wellbeing of Pacific carers and families. Traditionally, Pacific Islands households mobilise around caring for Mātua (Elders) - in this study our elders are referred to as ‘wisdom bearers’. With migration to Aotearoa New Zealand, change impacts the care Pacific families have traditionally provided. Very little was known about the cultural changes that impact traditional family based elder care, and the needs of aiga (extended family) who sustain it, until now. This report provides insights about Pacific carer practices and the blessing with challenges they faced in Aotearoa New Zealand. Pacific methods of research, Talanoa and Fa’afaletui, were used to capture perspectives and experiences of caring for Mātua. Fa’afaletui of 8 Talanoa (cultural- participatory dialogue) were conducted with over 120 participants representing 57 families, across two North Island cities of urban and regional areas. Fa’afaletui (collective houses of wisdom) represent Samoan and Tongan populations of the Pacific diaspora from Carers, Mātua (elders), Tinā (mothers), Tamā (fathers) and Tupulaga (youth). The ages ranged from 6 - 87yrs. Objectives of this study were:
• Identify Pacific elder-care practices that contribute to the health and wellbeing of Pacific elders, carers and families
• Examine the impact of cultural-contextual change on Pacific Mātua care practices
• Detail the socio-cultural and material supports needed to sustain Pacific care practices.
Results highlight a unique Pacific Aiga-care practice called ‘Tausi Mātua’ (Caring for Elders), as a collective system of care based on family life-cycle. Tausi Mātua is a Samoan term and is found to be alive and well within the Pacific diaspora of Aotearoa. Although it has changed over time and place, impacting the way it is now practised, Pacific Mātua remain the core of Aiga-wellbeing. Tausi Mātua is expressed by families as a blessing endowed with its own challenges that require support. Pacific families are an integral part of Aotearoa New Zealand’s diverse cultural fabric, and they make significant contributions as caregivers. Tongan participants discussed their fatongia (duties and responsibilities) in the traditional halafononga (pathway) and the need to change this halafononga in NZ. However, they encounter challenges that hinder their ability to fulfil their caregiving roles effectively. Our findings call for Pacific Mātua-care policies centred on Aiga/kāinga (family) wellbeing that should consider: Carer leave provision for Aotearoa, focused Pacific Mātua carer training, transitional support for life after care (especially for Youth carers), broadening definitions of family beyond households to accommodate multiple carers, extending the provision of super (pension) beyond realm countries to enable freedom of mobility to age-well, support for church and community-led centres of care, and housing that is accessible ensuring families are supported to care well, and be well.
Description
This final report outlines findings from research investigating Pacific mātua (elder) care practices and the way in which caring for mātua impacts the health and wellbeing of Pacific carers and families.