‘He Waka Eke Noa’ investigates the role of Māori cultural approaches to violence prevention and intervention. The research is a Kaupapa Māori research project that focuses on Māori understandings of family and sexual violence. International research indicates that culture can be an effective ‘buffer’ in the area of family and sexual violence prevention and healing trauma. Our approach provides a broad view of violence that captures the complex factors that contribute to the prevalence of violence within, and upon Māori communities. The research will investigate a range of explanations for violence in Aotearoa, both individual and collective, and ways through which culture can inform the development of successful approaches to violence reduction. This project has been developed collaboratively with Māori healers, social workers and counsellors who have wide-ranging involvement and knowledge in working with whānau who have been impacted by either family or sexual violence. Over the past 20 years there has been strong advocacy for the development of programmes that are based upon cultural knowledge and practices however there is limited research that explores which principles are most effective and the difference that cultural programmes may have in intervening in contexts where violence has been intergenerational and ongoing. This project will work with a range of organisations in the identification of the prevalence of family and sexual violence for Māori and to explore in depth Māori cultural concepts and practices that successfully inform and support intervention and healing processes.

Funded by MBIE