Lay summary
This research investigates whānau wellbeing through connection to and engagement with whenua tīpuna. It will explore the benefits to whānau of being nurtured on te ūkaipō, a place of nurturing and of sustenance and the impacts on whānau wellbeing.
The research builds on two recently completed iwi health research projects by Te Ātiawa ki Whakarongotai. Both projects funded by the HRC gave evidence of increased wellbeing through participation in iwi and marae activities, and through the application of the expressions of kaupapa tuku iho, the values passed down from our ancestors.
The research will provide exploration, evidence and mātauranga Māori around whānau thriving intergenerationally when establishing systems and planning for papakāinga. The study, located in Waikanae, includes three generations of whānau engaged in activities on their whenua. The lead investigator is completing her PhD as part of a broader programme of research with Whakauae Research Services.