This research aims to gain an understanding around why Iron Maori had led to Māori and non-Māori choosing to make significant lifestyle changes through Iron Maori. Iron Maori is a half Iron Man triathlon event comprised of a 2km swim, 90km cycle and 21.1km run and was created with the vision of “healthy and vibrant whānau participating in all aspects of life and promoting wellbeing from kaumātua to mokopuna”. Kaupapa Māori methodology was employed within this research to allow the voices of Māori people to be heard whilst adhering to Māori philosophies. Five principles of Kaupapa Māori Theory were essential to this research: Tino Rangatiratanga; (Self determination); Taonga Tuku Iho (Cultural Aspiration); Kia Piki Ake I Ngā Raruraru O Te Kainga (Socio-economic mediation); Whānau (Extended family structures) and; Kaupapa (Collective Philosophy). Ten Iron Maori participants were interviewed kanohi ki te kanohi (face to face) and a combination of inductive and deductive analysis techniques were used. The analysis was shaped by Iron Maori values, Kaupapa Maori theory, my personal knowledge and experience, literature and data collected from participants.
The key findings of this study are that: the concept of whānau lies at the heart of Iron Maori; various environments have a significant role in shaping a person; being a role model and leader is also a major motivating factor for people to participate in Iron Maori because for the majority of people who engage with Iron Maori, these disciplines seem very daunting and near impossible and can very easily be put in the ‘too hard box’. This wero, alongside the role modelling adds to the motivation to make significant lifestyle changes. Finally, incorporating and utilising KM principles throughout a Māori focussed event when the target audience is Māori clearly works well for Māori people as seen in Iron Maori.
Iron Maori continues to fulfil the vision of healthy and vibrant whānau participating in all aspects of life and promoting wellbeing as well as normalising Māori philosophies and values. Knowledge gained from this research will provide evidence for other indigenous health promoters to use as a successful framework to encourage healthy lifestyles.
