Jeremy Hapeta

Citation

Thesis Title
An Examination of Cultural Inclusion and Māori Culture in New Zealand Rugby: The Impact on Well-being

Mr Hapeta examined four inter-related case studies of how Māori culture was included within New Zealand rugby. His research utilised Kaupapa Māori methodologies (including storytelling through pūrākau, whakataukī, haka and Māori health promotion frameworks) to scrutinise: the past academic literature and marketing campaigns, present teams/programmes, and how these had impacted upon the wellbeing outcomes for those involved such as participants (players, coaches and administrators) and Māori. A ‘culturally progressive’ literature review model, from a kaupapa Māori perspective – Ngā Poutama Whetu – was developed. The results from the cases studied (discourse analysis, semi/professional teams and youth programmes) concluded that respectful inclusion of Māori culture in rugby-related environments can provide spaces for enhanced wellbeing and encouraged a spirit of cultural inclusion. However, the research also suggested that when deciding whether to include elements of Māori culture into marketing or sport teams and programmes, the impact on Māori wellbeing should always be paramount.

Supervisors
Professor Gary Hermansson
Dr Farah Palmer
Dr Yusuke Kuroda