He Raraunga Hāpori is a project that is part of the He Pā Harakeke: Thriving Regions North Island programme of research and is funded through the New Zealand Building Better Homes, Towns and Cities National Science Challenge. The project follows on from completed work during Phase 1 of He Pā Harakeke, in which an exploratory framework was developed that linked Mason Durie’s Te Pae Mahutonga model of Māori well-being to the measurement of different types of community capital and infrastructure (Ryks et al, 2018). The indicators provided a strengths-based snapshot into the wellbeing of a community at a given point in time and measured change over time. We have expanded on this earlier work to map the range of social services available, and profile demographic change and wellbeing with a specific focus on mana whenua/Māori communities in Pōkeno (Waikato district).
We have also worked closely with mana whenua (Indigenous peoples) in Pōkeno, who have identified a key aspiration of having a marae within the township of Pōkeno. Matua Haupai Montgomery will talk about the importance of developing a marae in the heart of Pōkeno’s growing community as a place for all community members to be welcomed, and always feel welcome. Key challenges to achieving this dream include the legacy of colonisation which means that mana whenua in Pōkeno have no land, have no money, and have no direct political influence to quickly achieve this aspiration. Despite these setbacks the mana whenua and haukainga (home peoples) community in Pōkeno continue to strive towards their goals.
Part of our research work has involved collaborating with mana whenua in Pōkeno to develop StoryMaps that highlight and amplify the voice of mana whenua, are a tool for promoting mana whenua aspirations, and empower mana whenua in their discussions with local and central government.