Abstract
Kaitiakitanga (guardianship), is underpinned and influenced by te ao Māori (Māori worldview). This is a vital practice, when sustaining our tangata whenua(Māori indigenous people) and others. This principle guides us in how we engage with others, create respectful relationships, and care for our land, our people, and the resources that are of importance to our wellbeing and survival.
This rangahau (research thesis) captured the knowledge and experience of five Māori social workers, and how they articulated what kaitiakitanga means to them. This has been within their personal and professional lives, as well as in various contexts such as a te ao Māori and non-Māori settings.
By examining the application of kaitiakitanga, has provided an indigenous Māori position of Māori voices incorporated into Māori lives for iwi Māori (tribal groupings) to utilise. This created a space for a kaupapa Māori (Māori oriented) methodology, and the theoretical methods of a qualitative approach of data collection and data analysis. This was captured within semi-structured interviews with individual kaikōrero (speaker), and articulated through the findings of a thematic analysis process.
The conclusion of these findings demonstrated the important aspects of kaitiakitanga, and applied into practice, through a process of whakamana ngā tangata (empowering people). This perspective has direct links to care, protection, and nurture, for all tamariki (children) that may be in a state requiring support. This can enable iwi to support our mokopuna Māori, (children/grandchildren of Māori descent) from going into care of the Ministry for Children – Oranga Tamariki, or who are in their care. Kaitiakitanga continues to highlight the importance of iwi involvement in the process.