Abstract
Tuakiri describes a secure sense of Māori identity and has been identified as a correlate of
holistic wellbeing for Māori, and potential target for intervention early in the lifecourse to
improve mental health outcomes for Māori throughout life. In order to better leverage tuakiri
in this way, there is a need for research on tuakiri that listens to the perspectives of rangatahi
who are immersed in te ao Māori. The aim of the present study was to enhance our
understanding of tuakiri from the perspective of rangatahi Māori from Taranaki who have been
enrolled in kaupapa Māori education. Photo-elicitation interviews informed by kaupapa Māori
research principles were conducted with eight rangatahi aged 13-17 (four taitama and four
taitamāhine) who all identified as Taranaki Māori. Thematic analysis resulted in three themes
that reflect aspects of tuakiri and factors that foster its development. The first theme,
‘Collectives ground Māori individuals’, addresses the importance of collective relationships to
rangatahi identity. The second theme, ‘Māori cultural knowledge and skills’, emphasises the
central role of ancestral knowledge including te reo Māori and tikanga as aspects of tuakiri. The
third theme, ‘Localised Taranaki Māori identity’, describes the importance of the participants’
localised identity as Taranaki Māori and the unique characteristics it contains. The findings
suggest that tuakiri for rangatahi is localised (e.g., in relation to marae, rohe) and is centred
around collective relationships (e.g., whānau, hapū, iwi) and supported by participation in
Māori cultural activities. The findings implicate connecting rangatahi with cultural activities
(e.g., te reo Māori, kapa haka, Māori sports), and Māori collectives as ways to strengthen
tuakiri, and support holistic wellbeing. Future research is needed that explores regional Māori
identities and further empowers rangatahi and whānau to lead in the research process.