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Understand how Māoritanga is important
For Māori decision-makers, understanding the person includes understanding how Māoritanga is important to them. Māoritanga is about Māori culture, values, and ways of being. Māoritanga can be central to:
- Understanding what is important to the person and their support needs
- Support that is respectful and comfortable
- Support that safeguards well-being
It is useful for supporters to know this information ahead of key decisions.
How are whānau important to the person? (social connections)
The person’s whānau is often very important to Māori. Whānau may be a central part of their wellbeing.
Who do they consider whānau? For example, whānau may be:
- Extended family
- Community
- Close friends
What are their will and preferences for whānau connections? For example, for:
- Regular visits
- Special occasions (tangi, hui-a-iwi, weddings, births, graduations)
- Responding to whānau changes (divorce, health challenges, deaths)
- Providing manaaki (hospitality)
- Being involved in decisions
How is wairua important to the person? (spiritual wellbeing)
Here are some examples of useful questions for supporters and tāngata whaikaha Māori (disabled Māori people) to think about:
- What is the place they feel most connected to?
- Where would they most want to live (who with?)
- What helps them feel at peace?
- What supports their wairua?
- Do they have roles that are important to them in their whānau, whare (home), or community?
How are cultural events and activities important to the person?
It is a good idea for supporters to understand the decision-maker’s will and preferences for common decisions ahead of time. Preparing for these key decisions can help make supported decision-making easier.
Some examples of common decisions are
- Where I live and who I live with
- My support
- How I manage my money
- My care
- My hobbies and who I like spending time with
- My health and healthcare
- My holidays
- My relationships
- My future plans (like wills, advanced care plans, EPOA or guardianship)
For tāngata whaikaha Māori, the support team should also be prepared for decisions about key cultural events and activities. If key supporters are unaware of cultural opportunities the person may not get to make decisions about their own cultural life. If in doubt, key supporters should seek out people who are aware of cultural opportunities to help the decision-maker.
We have made a list of some common Māoritanga decisions. You can read or download the list here (PDF 741 KB).
Avoid assumptions
Some experiences are common for tāngata whaikaha Māori, but supporters should remember that
- Every Māori person is unique
- People vary in how involved they are in Māori practices and language, tikanga Māoriand te reo Māori
- Each iwi, hapū, and whānau has cultural differences