The research focused specifically on the needs of disabled Māori and their whānau in the Murihiku/Southland region. The research drew from a range of sources including a community survey, a literature review and consultation with service providers in the area.
Four key themes identified that correlate to increased feelings of wellbeing and health: feeling valued; being connected; a strong sense of self identity and worth; and access to appropriate resources.
Conversely, factors that left hauā Māori feeling the opposite included: not being valued; experiencing negative impacts of discrimination, colonisation, and disconnection; lack of self-worth; and poor access to resources.
Purpose
The aim of this research project was to examine the barriers that hauā Māori and their whānau may experience in accessing these services; and to identify elements that could make accessing services easier.
Methodology
The research focused specifically on the needs of disabled Māori and their whānau in the Murihiku/Southland region. The research drew from a range of sources including a community survey, a literature review and consultation with service providers in the area.
Key Results
Our main findings were the four themes that emerged relating to what made our hauā Māori participants feel well and healthy:
- Feeling valued,
- Being connected/keeping in touch,
- Having a strong sense of self identity and self-worth, and
- Being able to access appropriate resources.
Conversely, factors that disabled the hauā Māori from accessing organisations were:
- Not being valued;
- Negative impacts of discrimination, colonisation, and disconnection;
- poor self-worth; and
- Poor access to resources.