Āpiti hono, tātai hono: Collaborative bicultural social work practice—A selection of findings

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Bicultural practice in Aotearoa, New Zealand is an integral aspect of social work. However, there can be a lack of understanding and engagement in some spaces. Collaborative bicultural practice could encourage a more active engagement by creating a reciprocal Te Tiriti o Waitangi partnership between Māori and non-Māori. This research focussed on how bicultural partnership can create a more dynamic and effective approach to practice that privileges Te Ao Māori to benefit whaiora of any ethnicity.

METHODS: The research design was grounded in social constructionist theory and used a decolonising, Te Tiriti o Waitangi lens. Data were collected from semi-structured interviews with four registered social workers. An integrated, narrative approach to analysis allowed for multiple narrative levels to be considered. For a detailed exploration of the methodological design please see the companion article in this issue “Ā piti hono, tātai hono. A collaborative bicultural social work research approach” (Deverick & Mooney, 2023).

FINDINGS: The findings of this research followed the narrative of diverse personal journeys, and illustrated that wider social, historical and political contexts are inseparable from practice.

CONCLUSIONS: Recommendations show a need for more commitment from the public sphere to bridge the gap between policy and practice; more research is required to establish this approach as a successful partnership model; a clear need for the support of agency and government policy; and social workers need to have more courageous conversations for bicultural partnerships to succeed and flourish.