Back to COVID-19 Project Mapping

Harirū, hongi and hau in the time of COVID-19

Institution

The University of Auckland

Country

New Zealand

Localities

Ngātiwai and Waikato

Methodology

Interviews, dialogue

Key Focus of Study

Kaumātua have important leadership responsibilities and enacting them in the context of COVID-19 will place them at increased risk. For this project, we will initiate an innovative dialogue using digital means with kaumātua and kuia around their concerns and reactions to COVID-19. We aim to discover how older Māori understand the tapu of the body and bodily fluids and how they are navigating the spread of viral transmission, in light of rapidly evolving advice and regulations regarding personal distancing (harirū, hongi and hau), self-isolation, and gatherings. We will use mobile (tablet) technology to communicate on a regular basis over six weeks with kaumātua in Ngātiwai and Waikato with whom we have well-established links. Discussion of our findings with participants in ongoing dialogue will lead to guidance for policy-makers and public health in supporting Māori communities, and may also chart ways for future kanohi-ki-te-kanohi research.

Key Stakeholders

Maori - kaumātua and kuia

Timeframe

6 months

Funding Institution(s)

HRCNZ

Status

Ongoing

More information

Please find more information here