Weaving a coeval position of Matauranga Maori within nursing practice

The health and wellbeing of Maori is reliant upon the provision of care by health professionals who have the ability and knowledge of the kaupapa (principles) and tikanga (values) inherent in Matauranga Maori (Maori knowledge). Six Maaori registered nurses (namely Kim, Ani, Te Ata, Hineroa, Margaret and Aroha) shared their experiences through oral stories about what and how they apply kaupapa and tikanga in their nursing practice. Using these oral stories allowed core kaupapa and tikanga that inform who and how they are as Maaori women and nurses. These include whakapapa (genealogy), tereo Maaori (Maaori language), whanaungatanga (relationships), wairuatanga (spirituality), tuurangawaewae (a place to stand), manaakitanga (hospitality) and rangatiratanga (binding groups) Some specific examples will be shared from the participants stories that illustrate how they weave the kaupapa and tikanga within their practice, which are deeply embedded in their understandings of Maatauranga Maaori. For example, Hineroa, Ani, Margaret, and Te Ata were steeped in te reo Maaori and considered it was vital for assessing Maori.