NPM Co-Director Professor Linda Waimarie Nikora and Superu Board Member Haami Piripi co-chaired what was a powerful, engaging and eye-opening day, with presentations by researchers, experts and workers from across the sector who had stories to tell on their lived experiences, and most importantly research informed recommendations to make on how the wider system can work more effectively for whānau and Aotearoa New Zealand into the future.
The aims of the workshop were to contribute to a public sector better equipped to comprehend the nature of whānau and whakapapa within Aotearoa New Zealand society and to positively respond to the unique characteristics of whānau in addressing the needs and aspirations of Māori throughout the country.
Nearly 200 people attended on the day and together were involved in:
- asserting the importance of whānau as a bona fide aspect of Aotearoa New Zealand society
- embracing and understanding the distinctiveness of whānau and whakapapa as a critical factor for public policy
- further recognising the efficacy of best practice models based on Māori paradigms for public policy
- providing evidence for how public policy can empower whānau as a way to improve the lives of Māori and all New Zealanders living in Aotearoa New Zealand
- identifying how public policies, programmes and services can be reshaped to better meet the needs of whānau.
Minister of Māori Development Hon Nanaia Mahuta, in her address talked about the importance of the work being undertaken and the need for this work to find the right solutions as soon as possible. She commented to the audience that, "It is not about taking positions anymore, the world requires us to think differently and do things differently."
You can review the days conversation here on Twitter or search for #whanauworkshop.
Initial media coverage on some of the issues of the day can be found here:
Radio New Zealand
Māori lawyers say Family Court not working for whānau (31 May 2018)
Psychology 'very cold, robotic' for Māori (31 May 2018)
Videos of workshop presentations will soon be published and promoted via our Media Centre
He Kōrero | Our Stories
Natalie Netzler is investigating the anti-viral properties of Samoan plants and is interested in researching the anti-viral properties of rongoā, in partnership with Māori practitioners.
Neuroscientist Nicole Edwards is establishing her own lab at the University of Auckland and is eager to tautoko students interested in a career in brain research.
AUT senior lecturer Deborah Heke encourages wāhine Māori to cherish their connection with te taiao.