Mate Ohorere Pēpi: Sudden Māori Infant Death Syndrome

Riripeti Haretuku (Ngapuhi, Taranaki, Te Arawa me Whakatohea), The University of Auckland

In this work, I rethink SUDI: SIDS, also known as cot death, within a kaupapa Māori framework. I use the term mate ohorere pēpi, not as an equivalent of SUDI: SIDS, but to encompass all the aspects of a Māori experience of the sudden death of a pēpi (baby). 

I argue that SUDI in Māori whanau must be understood as mate ohorere pēpi, and therefore discussion and practice related to sudden Māori infant death must include Māori understandings of the Māori spiritual world, tapu, wairua, whakapono, whakapapa, whakawhānau, whenua, whānau, whānaungātangā, tangihanga. 

These concepts are by no means an exhaustive list but can prompt more in-depth hui within whānau, hapu and iwi about these principles and their relevance for Māori today. Consequently, this research aims to reduce this disparity by conducting empirical research into whānau perceptions towards SIDS reduction efforts in New Zealand. 

The research results will inform further prevention efforts in Māori communities. This aim aligns with a critical goal of Ngā Pae o Te Maramatanga which is to engage with whānau who are at higher risk of social inequalities and to achieve meaningful outcomes, ensure research is engaging, significant, mutually beneficial, and transformative.