Ngā Maia: honouring both ways of knowing

“Mātauranga Māori” can be described as “Māori knowledge originating from Māori ancestors, world views, values and perspectives”. This concept of Mātauranga Māori is foundational to our core principles and values. It enriches our practice as Māori midwives and students, and is reflected in our practice with whānau.

The western scientific academy of research is certainly a valuable source of learning, however it doesn’t validate Māori traditions or our knowledge of healing, and its validity is implied. It’s vital that we also continue to acquire mātauranga from the same sources as our tūpuna, such as whakairo, oriori and ceremonial practices that kept us safe. Kaupapa Māori research is a unique methodolgy in which Māori seek, and undertake, research for Māori by Māori. Contributors to this academy are holding space to decolonise maternity systems, birth practice and even our bodies.

Honouring both ways of knowing, continuing to kōrero with your kaumātua, hapū and iwi, and absorbing the birthing stories of your tupuna, whilst also accessing the abundance of academic research on traditional Māori birthing practices and mana wāhine, continue to broaden our scope as Māori midwives.

Looking ahead, our next hui-a-tau will be held 25-27 October. And while the programme is tentative at this time, our hosts Waiariki have the support of many members from the Kaupapa Māori research academy. Waiariki’s theme is ‘Kotahitanga’, a beautiful concept we can all aspire to, which calls on all of us to find and hold on to the common threads that bind us, regardless of our various midwifery work settings, or our differences in practice, beliefs or upbringings. During hui-a-tau, there are always opportunities to learn mātauranga Māori and enrich our birthing practices and knowledge, be it through guest speakers, knowledge-sharing or hands-on wānanga. These opportunities are a powerful way to find those common threads and focus our collective attention on them for the betterment of the whānau we care for.

The venue is located on the beautiful shores of Tauranga Moana at Maungatapu Marae. We encourage you all to register your interest and be immersed in an allinspiring environment where you will create connection through whakawhānaunga, gain valuable learnings and kōrero kanohi ki te kanohi with our Trustees.

If you do not attend the hui-a-tau in October, consider diving into the Kaupapa Māori research of Waimarie Onekawa, Aroha Harris, Kelly Tikao, Naomi Simmonds, Kirsten Gabel, Ngahuia Murphy and Nicky Barrett, to name a few.

Nau te rourou, Naku te rourou. Ka ora ai te iwi. square