A principles framework for taking action on Māori/Indigenous Homelessness in Aotearoa/New Zealand

Abstract

Objective The objective of this research was to develop a principles framework to guide action on Māori/Indigenous homelessness in Aotearoa incorporating Rangatiratanga (Māori self-determination), Whānau Ora (Government policy that places Māori families at the center of funding, policy and services) and Housing First. Method Three pathways were identified as creating opportunities for action on Māori homelessness: Te Tiriti o Waitangi/Treaty of Waitangi is the Māori self-determination pathway; Whānau Ora, a government-sponsored policy supports whānau/family as the pathway for Māori wellbeing and disparities reduction; and Housing First, an international pathway with local application for homelessness that is being implemented in parts of Aotearoa. The potential opportunities of the three pathways shaped interviews with authoritative Māori about Māori principles (derived from the three pathways) for addressing Māori homelessness. Twenty interviews were conducted with Māori experts using Kaupapa Māori research processes, eliciting advice about addressing Māori homelessness. A principles framework called Whare Ōranga was developed to synthesise these views. Results Addressing Māori homelessness must be anchored in rights-based and culturally aligned practice empowered by Māori worldviews, principles and processes. Te Tiriti o Waitangi, which endorses Māori tribal self-determination and authority, and Whānau Ora as a government obligation to reduce inequities in Māori homelessness, are the foundations for such action. Colonisation and historical trauma are root causes of Māori homelessness. Strong rights-based frameworks are needed to enact decolonisation and guide policy. These frameworks exist in Tino Rangatiratanga/Māori self-determination and Whānau Ora. Conclusion Whare Ōranga: An Indigenous Housing Interventions Principles Framework was developed in Aotearoa/New Zealand to end Māori homelessness. Future research is needed on the practical application of this framework in ending Māori homelessness. Moreover, the use value of the Whare Ōranga Framework as a workable approach to ending homelessness in other indigenous populations is yet to be considered.

Wellbeing of Indigenous Peoples in Canada, Aotearoa (New Zealand) and the United States: A Systematic Review

“…There were 16 papers relating to the wellbeing of the Indigenous peoples in Aotearoa (New Zealand), the Māori people [ 62 , 63 , 64 , 65 , 66 , 67 , 68 , 69 , 70 , 71 , 72 , 73 , 74 , 75 , 76 , 77 ]. Our analysis revealed five interrelated aspects of life as being centrally important to Māori wellbeing: Māoritanga (Māori identity; n = 9 papers); tikanga (Māori customs; n = 12); kotahitanga (togetherness and connection; n = 13); whakapapa (importance of genealogies; n = 15); wairuatanga (spirituality; n = 8).…”

“…Twelve papers reported Tikanga as being important to Māori wellbeing [ 62 , 63 , 64 , 65 , 67 , 69 , 70 , 71 , 72 , 73 , 74 , 75 ]. Tikanga can be translated to mean Māori customs, practices and ways of doing things that are deeply embedded in Māori culture [ 75 , 78 ].…”

“…Pūrakau and whakatauki were reported in five papers as important to the wellbeing of Māori [ 62 , 65 , 67 , 69 , 74 ]. Pūrakau and whakatauki are the narrative tools with which Māori pass down cultural wisdom and knowledge [ 78 ].…”

Introducing critical Tiriti policy analysis through a retrospective review of the New Zealand Primary Health Care Strategy

“…In Aotearoa, a number of Indigenous approaches to CPA have emerged (Lawson-Te Aho, 1995; Mullan, 2000; Wihongi, 2010). Fleras and Maaka’s (2010) Indigeneity grounded analysis (IGA) is a decolonial approach to policy analysis and is aimed at ‘indigenising’ policy development by minimizing ‘systemic policy bias while maximising Indigenous peoples inputs’ (2010: 1).…”

Life when renting for older Māori

“…The right of Māori to good housing is affirmed by the Treaty of Waitangi, signed between the Crown and Māori chiefs in 1840 (Lawson-Te Aho et al, 2019). This right has been reinforced by a number of international declarations and conventions (Human Rights Commission, 2010), although it has been no guarantee of government action.…”