Lay summary
This health research aims to produce positive health outcomes which will provide a significant contribution to the body of knowledge on happiness and wellbeing. The primary methodology is Kaupapa Maori and the research aims to understand the impact of culture on the psychological wellbeing of Maori; to examine traditional Maori conceptualisations of happiness and wellbeing and to explore the factors that contribute to happiness in older Maori. The research also aims to produce positive health outcomes for Maori by identifying Maori perspectives and practices of happiness that sustain psychological wellbeing throughout one’s lifetime. Achieving my doctorate will provide me with the skills, knowledge, experience and confidence to develop a career pathway which will enable me to lead Maori health research projects that reflect the aspirations, needs and goals of my own whanau and community.