Hongi, Harirū and Hau: Kaumātua in the time of COVID-19

Abstract

Kaumātua have key leadership responsibilities within their communities and are crucial in curbing the spread of COVID-19. Yet kaumātua are also among the most vulnerable to the disease, given compromised health, living situations and reliance on whānau and others for care. Our study explored kaumātua concerns and reactions to COVID-19. We aimed to understand how kaumātua understand the tapu of the body and tikanga relevant to the spread of COVID-19. We are interested in how kaumātua navigate the challenges presented by COVID-19 in light of evolving advice and regulations regarding personal distancing, self-isolation and gatherings. We used digital technologies and cellphones to communicate with Ngātiwai and Waikato kaumātua on a regular basis over a six-week period. Drawing on rich kōrero from our first round of interviews we will share findings from the study to assist Māori communities, policy makers and health providers.

Negotiating risks and responsibilities during lockdown: ethical reasoning and affective experience in Aotearoa New Zealand

“…These responses were subjected to qualitative analysis using a grounded theory approach (Urquhart 2013), affording an overview of the range of ways the nation's lockdown was experienced, whilst also identifying dynamics that, having been mentioned by respondents of multiple demographic backgrounds, could be reasonably understood as having been widespread. Lockdown experiences were undoubtedly differentiated along historic axes of exclusion and disadvantage: tikanga Māori (customary practice) was jeopardised through restrictions on marae gatherings (Dawes et al 2020); East Asian bodies were figured as hotbeds of contagion; shop closures left Muslims struggling to obtain halal meat (Curtis 2020;Long et al 2020, pp. 17-19).…”

Steadfast is the rock: Primary health care Māori nurse leaders discuss tensions, resistance, and their contributions to prioritise communities and whānau during COVID-19

“…However, well before this plan and any governmental restrictions were implemented, Māori leaders had identified the vulnerability of their communities to COVID-19 and were beginning to take protective measures (Dawes et al, 2021). Socio-economic deprivation, compromised living conditions, existing poorer health status and age, and poor health literacy all increase risk for Māori for hospitalisation and death from COVID-19 (Dawes et al, 2021;Steyn et al, 2021).…”

“…However, well before this plan and any governmental restrictions were implemented, Māori leaders had identified the vulnerability of their communities to COVID-19 and were beginning to take protective measures (Dawes et al, 2021). Socio-economic deprivation, compromised living conditions, existing poorer health status and age, and poor health literacy all increase risk for Māori for hospitalisation and death from COVID-19 (Dawes et al, 2021;Steyn et al, 2021). Across the health system, Māori are more likely to have negative experiences, including encountering racism, discrimination, and marginalisation at an interpersonal level as well as through institutional structures and processes (Cormack et al, 2018;Wilson et al, 2021).…”

“…While there has been criticism levelled nationally that the Government has failed to adequately involve Māori to co-design the COVID-19 response (Dawes et al, 2021), the pandemic has seen Māori leadership proactively respond to protect their communities.…”

Representation, COVID-19, and failed metaphor: A critical analysis of the Bay of Plenty District Health Board vaccine booklet

“…However, Māori were quick to respond to COVID-19 through cultural adaption (McMeeking & Savage, 2020). For example, adjusting tikanga such as hongi (Dawes et al, 2020;Pihama & Lipsham, 2020;Rangiwai, 2020) and digitising karakia and tangihanga (Rangiwai & Sciascia, 2021;Te One & Clifford, 2021). As Māori are a group vulnerable to COVID-19, it is crucial for Māori to follow public health advice (King et al, 2020;Rangiwai, 2021b).…”