Whakaoranga Whānau: Whānau Resilience

This research explored the capacity of whānau to overcome adversity, flourish and enjoy better health and well-being. It considers the multiple ways in which whānau contribute to the development of its members and the various mechanisms employed to foster growth and security. While external factors, internal dynamics, and financial pressures often constrain capacity, whānau have nevertheless demonstrated an innate ability to respond to these challenges, to make use of limited resources, and to react in positive and innovative ways. A thematic analysis of whānau cohorts and expert responses detailed the components of whānau responses to adversity, and therefore whānau resilience. The framework consists of four resilience themes: (1) Whanaungatanga factors (networks and relationships), (2) Pūkenga factors (abilities and skills), (3) Tikanga factors (meanings, values and beliefs), and (4) Tuakiri-ā-iwi factors (secure cultural identity). Of particular interest is the notion that while Māori share similar resilience strategies to those found in the Western literature, there are unique cultural differences quite akin to a Māori worldview and Māori family dynamics. As such, cultural identity was found within a cluster of resilience factors—factors which are expressions of cultural identity, and which have been used to promote resilience amongst these Māori families.