Māori whānau mental health and addiction journeys

Intern

Maioha Watson, Waikato, Ngāi Tūhoe, Ngāti Pikiao, Ngāti Manawa, Te Whakatōhea, Te Āti Awa, The University of Otago

Supervisor

Dr Erena Wikaire, Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi

Overview

This kaupapa Māori project aimed to investigate the multiple dimensions of Māori experiences of cannabis and methamphetamine use. The project sought to highlight the lived experience of our whānau Māori about the challenges, benefits, opportunities, and barriers in this context – in relation to their wellbeing.

This internship contributed to a larger postdoctoral research fellowship project. Māori whānau and communities are heavily impacted by cannabis and methamphetamine. Despite calls for the treatment of drug use and addiction as a health concern, these issues continue to be addressed as criminal justice problems. This approach is not working for Māori, and Māori are rarely asked to tell our stories, or offer our solutions. 

The internship involved interviewing Māori whānau and key stakeholders about their journeys related to cannabis and methamphetamine, and what works (and does not work) for Māori.