Research method
Our study explored issues arising for rangatahi Māori who are becoming sexual beings through interviews with rangatahi Māori, kaimahi, and kaumātua. We were interested in how these issues were shaped by social assumptions about gender, sexuality and racism. We were also interested in possible solutions and positive representations of Māori sexuality through mātauranga Māori.
The project engaged a Kaupapa Māori qualitative methodology. Funding by the Health Research Council 17/492 supported us to progress, collaborate, and achieve our goals across three phases:
Nikki developed a PhD
Morgan developed a Masters thesis
Wern Tje developed an Honours dissertation
Shauney developed an Honours dissertation
Grace developed an Honours dissertation
Phase one
(2017-2018)
Kaumātua & Kaimahi mātauranga
Phase one explored kaumātua & kaimahi knowledge about gender, sexual ethics, and sexual violence prevention, and Māori theories about women and men. Jade reviewed the literature and interviewed 23 elders and experts from Hokianga & Te Tai Tokerau including psychologists, nurses, counsellors, social workers, volunteers, artists, public servants, marae kaitiaki, educators, and a church minister. She analysed these interviews and shared the summary reports with participants if they requested this. Participants signed off material approved for use in this study and were given the option of being named in this study.
Jade collaborated with Lorene Royal & Irene Hancy to support the development of a dynamics of whanaungatanga curriculum for community. Jade, Cheryl, Nicola & Linda wrote a book chapter exploring the challenges experienced by kaimahi working in the area of sexual violence prevention. Jade, Fern & Morgan collaborated with Joy Te Wiata in the development of Kaupapa Māori sexual violence prevention guidelines.
