Māori Social Workers: Experiences within Social Service Organisations

Abstract

This research explores the current experiences of Māori social workers within government, non-government, Māori, and iwi (tribal) social service organisations. Kaupapa Māori and Narrative methods are used to capture the current practices of 26 Māori social workers, as well as the level of support received from these organisations. One area of interest in this study is the extent to which tikanga (custom) changes to fit the organisation and how much the organisation changes to fit the tikanga. Findings include the identification of the motivations for Māori to become social workers and their diverse identities. Māori social workers have developed a range of practices that have positive results for Māori whānau and are underpinned by tikanga Māori. This research highlights ways organisations are currently supporting Māori social work practices. It provides recommendations concerning ways organisations can be better equipped to support Māori social workers to use their practices for the benefit of Māori whānau.

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