Amelia Backhouse-Smith

Citation

Thesis Title
MĀ TŌ TĀTOU WHANAUNGATANGA E WHAKATAKI I TE RITENGA TIKA
Māori Mental Health Service Engagement – A Narrative Woven by Tangata Whaiora, Whānau Member

Uplifting Māori mental wellbeing is a priority in Aotearoa. This Kaupapa Māori research sought to understand why service engagement was incommensurate with mental wellbeing needs among pakeke Māori (Māori adults). Tāngata whaiora (Māori mental health clients), whānau members (family members), and Māori kaimahi (Māori clinicians) shared their perspectives about how mental health care experiences influence Māori service engagement. Findings highlighted several key areas of importance, including: upholding tikanga and mātauranga Māori (Māori knowledge, values, and customs), acknowledging cultural identity, facilitating reconnection with Māoritanga (Māori culture, practices, beliefs, ways of life), and being whānau-centred; developing genuine and meaningful relationships; encouraging openness, support, and literacy around mental wellbeing; empowering Māori voices in care; and appropriate resourcing. This research provided insights and guidance for how mental health practice can evolve to be more responsive for tāngata whaiora and whānau to support service engagement and uplift mental wellbeing.

Supervisors
Dr Simon Bennett
Associate Professor Ross Flett
Associate Professor Natasha Tassell-Matamua