Abstract
We liaised with a wharekura (Maori language immersion school) to translate and disseminate an online survey for a group of Maori youth in Southland, New Zealand (NZ). The focus of this article is not results, but the processes of respondent orientation and engagement to more genuinely include Maori in a youth survey. An online survey about transport and well-being was conducted with older teenagers from 12 schools, including the wharekura. After working with wharekura staff and students, the survey was translated from English into te reo Maori using best-practice methods. Steps were taken to safeguard authentic engagement, including how the survey translation was conducted, and how the survey data were shared. This NZ-specific experience adds to the literature about the practice of applying the principle of respondent orientation to the process of translating an existing survey into te reo Maori, demonstrating commitment to some Treaty of Waitangi principles. While this is not a kaupapa Maori research project, it is informed by some kaupapa Maori principles. This may be seen as a limitation of this work; however, we believe there are many positive experiences and lessons to be learned from our approach.