DEVELOPING A KAUPAPA WHĀNAU FRAMEWORK TO EXPLORE SOCIAL, CULTURAL AND HEALTH BENEFITS OF A WHĀNAU-INSPIRED INITIATIVE

Placing whānau at the centre of research design and delivery empowers whānau to take ownership of their own narrative while leveraging and extending their existing resources and knowledge systems. This article outlines the development of a kaupapa whānau research framework developed by whānau involved in a whānau-inspired initiative at their marae. Conducted in accordance with whānau principles, the research was guided by a tikanga approach to ensure that the experience was mana enhancing for all engaged. The conceptualisation of the kaupapa whānau framework reflects kōwhaiwhai from within the wharenui o tūpuna Parewahawaha and introduces concepts of whakapapa, wairua, kia whakatōmuri te haere whakamua, wānanga, and mana ake as guiding principles for conducting research alongside whānau. The framework emphasises the importance of being able to work alongside one’s own whānau by creating and using a research framework built around whānau worldviews and what they value.