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Grandparenting Among Māoris of New Zealand: Reflecting on Meanings

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Abstract

Regardless of nation and culture, grandparents have been instrumental in the survival of families and communities as well as the preservation of cultures. This study explored the meaning and roles of grandparenting among Maori grandparents in New Zealand as a possible platform for advancing the conversation on the significance of grandparents in the lives of people across cultures. Participants interviewed included 17 Māori grandparents to great, great grandparents in Aotearoa New Zealand, living in intergenerational homes. A phenomenology approach was used to analyze the data. Five themes were extracted that elucidated the meaning of the roles of grandparenting from the perspective of Māori grandparents: Elders’ responsibilities from a cultural perspective; support, resources, and assets; sociopolitical and economic challenges; current state of Elders’ and role in family, and benefits and rewards. Implications and recommendations are discussed towards a more systemic and culturally responsive support of grandparents.

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Data Availability

The data that support the findings of this study are available from the Principal Investigator (last author) of the study. Restrictions apply to the availability of these data, which were collected under agreement with the Māori and Pacific faculty at Massey University and the Māori and Pacific communities. Data are available from the Principal Investigator with the permission of the Māori and Pacific faculty at Massey University and the study participants.

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Acknowledgements

This research was funded by the Fulbright New Zealand and U.S. Department of State, George Mason University, and supported by Massey University. The authors would like to express our deepest gratitude to the Māori grandparents in Palmerston North, Aotearoa, for entrusting us with their stories and sharing of their wisdom. Also, to Rachael Selby, Wheturangi Walsh-Tapiata, Litea Meo-Sewabu, and researchers Rongomai Taiapa-Aporo and Terewai Rikihana who provided cultural consultation, guidance, and support throughout the entire project. This study would have been impossible without you. We are truly indebted.

Funding

This study was funded by the Fulbright New Zealand and U.S. Department of State, and George Mason University.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. University ofHawaìi Myron B. Thompson School of Social Worka, 2430 Campus Rd. Gartley Hall 213, 96822, Honolulu, HI, USA

    Meripa T. Godinet & Rachel Burrage

  2. School of Social Work, Morgan State University, Baltimore, USA

    Laurens G. Van Sluytman

  3. School of Māori Knowledge, Massey University, Te Pūtahi-a-Toi, Turitea Campus, Palmerston North, New Zealand

    Julia Taiapa

  4. Hawaìi Pacific University College of Health and Society, Kanèohe, USA

    Halaevalu Ofahengaue Vakalahi

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  1. Meripa T. Godinet
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Correspondence to Meripa T. Godinet.

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Appendix A

Appendix A

Reference for Māori words & places: Translations and meantings.

  • Awa: water stream.

  • Hāhi: church.

  • Kapa Haka: performing arts group.

  • Karakia: chant.

  • Korero: talk, discussion.

  • Kura: School.

  • Marae: A space that consist of an assemblage of carved buildings on reserved land that belongs to certain tribe and family (lineage).

  • Maunga: Mountain.

  • Mokopuna: grandchild.

  • Oranga: Health/ Wellbeing.

  • Pākehā: a New Zealander of European descent.

  • Parewahawaha: a marae located in Bulls, New Zealand.

  • Reo/ Te reo Māori: voice or language/ Māori language.

  • Taha Māori: Māori perspective.

  • Te Piringa: Law School in Aoteaora New Zealand.

  • Tipuranga: growth/growing up.

  • Tupuna: Elders.

  • Wai: water.

  • Wairuatanga: spirituality.

  • Wahi tapu: scared places/ sites.

  • Whakapapa: ancestral lineage.

  • Whanau: family, families.

  • Whare: house.

  • Wharenui: meeting house.

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Godinet, M.T., Burrage, R., Van Sluytman, L.G. et al. Grandparenting Among Māoris of New Zealand: Reflecting on Meanings. J Cross Cult Gerontol 38, 1–18 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10823-023-09471-9

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