Jordan Waiti

Ngāti Pikiao, Te Rarawa (MA student, Physical Education, Otago University).

What methods have you been using in your research?

Kaupapa Māori frames my entire research process, from the proposed problem to data collection to data discussion. Therefore a number of associated elements have been utilized such as kānohi ki te kānohi interviews on the participants turangawaewae, input from kaumatua and whānau, utilisation of te reo, koha, whanaungatanga, as well as an holistic perspective on the associated Māori concepts. Elements of Kaupapa Māori also influence the other methods of my research process, which are auto-ethnography and the extended literature review.

Because I’m interpreting my exercise psychology content from a Māori perspective, I needed a culturally specific theoretical underpinning to justify my interpretation. Kaupapa Māori provides this.

How have your selected methods been useful gathering good ‘data’ and working with Māori people?

As my study was strongly based on a Māori worldview, I needed a research framework that would acknowledge and enhance this viewpoint. Accordingly, Kaupapa Māori is excellent, as it has enabled me to undertake my research process from a Māori worldview, therefore validating Mātauranga Māori and promoting Tino Rangatiratanga.

What motivated you to choose your kaupapa Tīkanga Māori approach to Physical Activity?

I wanted to show how we can use Tīkanga Māori to promote Physical Activity, and therefore also provide motivation to further participate in Physical Activity. With our strong association with the negative health statistics, some more culturally relevant strategies may help the situation. Additionally, there is limited research in regards to Māori and Exercise Psychology, indicating a lack of understanding in regards to Maori perceptions and determinants of exercise/ Physical Activity.