Abstract:
While the values and beliefs of health care for Maaori are perceived to be consistent with
those which Maaori are embedded in, the outcomes developed from a Western worldview,
has fallen short of this expectation. This thesis explores the customary kaupapa of
Maatauranga Maaori or Maaori knowledge, which is the appropriate technique to determine
how health care should be maintained by and for Maaori. The research highlights the need
to meld these kaupapa with that of a contemporary Maaori viewpoint, to focus more on a
deeper enhancement of these kaupapa, and develop an understanding of the social, cultural,
educational, political and economic contexts these concepts have on Maaori as a people.
This research identified six Maaori registered women nurses, who willingly volunteered to
share their experiences regarding Maatauranga Maaori and its importance to their nursing
practice. Over a period of one year, in-depth conversations unfolded and produced data on
what Maatauranga Maaori involves and how the six participants in the study believe it
influences their nursing practices. All are currently practicing nurses within various health
settings such as psychiatric and comprehensive nursing, and all wish to be known by their
given names.
From the inception of this study, the focus was to introduce Maatauranga Maaori as the
epistemological framework of choice. Inclusive will be life-stories - oral stories - as the
method by which value and insight are added to the progress of this research study. The
findings of this research indicate that a collection of key kaupapa, namely whakapapa,
whanaungatanga, te reo Maaori, wairuatanga, tuurangawaewae, manaakitanga and
rangatiratanga are crucial to the health and wellbeing of Maaori as a people. These
kaupapa enable Maaori to determine and strengthen our worldview, which in turn reflects
the concept of being Maaori thereby contributing to the health and status of their whaanau,
hapuu and iwi.
The findings support the view that there is a substantial collection of kaupapa, which are
inherent in Maatauranga Maaori as being able to provide a framework for theoretical
research. These kaupapa will provide a framework for nursing practice and educational
curricula that will develop and maintain nursing standards to meet the needs of Maaori.
