Whakamana Te Tuakiri o Ngā Wāhine Māori I Te Ao Whutuporo Flourishing Wāhine Māori Identities in Rugby: A Literature Review

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Published: Nov 9, 2023
DOI: https://doi.org/10.34074/junc.23005

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Hinemoa Watene (Ngāti Whātua, Ngāpuhi, Rongowhakaata, Ngāti Porou, Whakatohea)
University of Otago
Dr Jeremy Hapeta
University of Otago
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8853-1572
Dr Anne-Marie Jackson (Ngāti Whātua, Te Roroa, Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Wai me Ngāti Kahu o Whangaroa)
University of Otago
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9576-0173

Abstract


This article presents a qualitative, autoethnographic exploration of personal realities and lived experiences in rugby. The literature highlights the potential harm of imposing a Westernised 'one size fits all' team culture, particularly in relation to its impact on Māori identity and aspirations. Herein we advocate for more inclusive environments that honour the intersections of diverse values, beliefs systems and perspectives of Māori, Pasifika and other marginalised communities. As an authorship team we sit within a research excellence group at the Centre of Indigenous Science. This space validates Māori and Indigenous identity, nurtures personal growth and embraces every facet of existence, from whakapapa to cultural identity, including our shared passion for rugby. This systematic literature review pursues two primary research objectives: firstly, it aims to identify and compare the challenges confronted by wāhine Māori in rugby, examining both Western and te ao Māori perspectives. Secondly, it uncovers effective strategies for addressing these challenges, with the ultimate goal of safeguarding and empowering flourishing wāhine Māori identities (tuakiri) in rugby.

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No. 23 (2023): inter-
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Articles
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Author Biographies

Hinemoa Watene (Ngāti Whātua, Ngāpuhi, Rongowhakaata, Ngāti Porou, Whakatohea), University of Otago

Hinemoa Watene (Ngāti Whātua, Ngāpuhi, Rongowhakaata, Ngāti Porou, Whakatohea) is a Masters’ researcher in the Centre of Indigenous Science and the School of Physical Education, Sport and Exercise Sciences at the University of Otago. Having completed her undergraduate studies in sports management and development and psychology, she undertook a summer internship with Ngā Pae o Maramatanga under the supervision of Dr Jeremy Hapeta, focusing on flourishing wāhine Māori identities in rugby. Her passion for rugby stems from playing for various women's teams, including the Auckland Storm and Otago Spirit FPC teams, the New Zealand Barbarians XV, and the Under 18's Black Ferns’ Oceania and Youth Olympic squad. She aims to create a safe space for wāhine Māori in rugby, where they can be their authentic selves and know their voices will be heard.

Dr Jeremy Hapeta, University of Otago

Dr Jeremy Hapeta is a senior lecturer in Māori physical education (PE) and hauora (health) at the Centre of Indigenous Science at the University of Otago in Aotearoa New Zealand. Previously, he held various roles at Massey University including PE lecturer and research development advisor – Māori in the Office of Research and Enterprise. A fully registered teacher, Jeremy taught in primary, intermediate and secondary schools both in NZ and overseas. He played first class rugby for Manawatū and played professionally in Japan (Hokkaido Barbarians) and France and has coached rugby in Italy and NZ. His research interests include kaupapa Māori methods and methodology, Indigenous perspectives on sport for development, inclusive team culture and games sense pedagogy. Dr Hapeta also serves on NZ Rugby’s training and education working group and academic reference groups for Sport New Zealand (including coach developer and physical literacy). In the governance space, he is a board member of Sport Manawatū and serves on a school board of trustees.

Dr Anne-Marie Jackson (Ngāti Whātua, Te Roroa, Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Wai me Ngāti Kahu o Whangaroa), University of Otago

Professor Anne-Marie Jackson (Ngāti Whātua, Te Roroa, Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Wai me Ngāti Kahu o Whangaroa) connects to the Far North, which grounds her as a Māori academic. She is a (full) professor in Māori physical education (PE) and health and joined the School of Physical Education, Sport and Exercise Sciences at the University of Otago in 2011 after completing her doctorate in Māori studies and PE, examining rangatiratanga and Māori health and well-being within a customary fisheries context. In 2013, she established Te Koronga, a graduate research excellence group. She is also co-director of the Centre of Research Excellence (CoRE) “Coastal People: Southern Skies,” a research collaboration that connects
communities with world-leading, cross-disciplinary research to rebuild coastal ecosystems. Her research platform is focused on Māori research excellence that uplifts the hopes and aspirations of Māori communities in the context of Māori PE and health – the application of a te ao Māori worldview making for mauri ora, flourishing wellness.