Māmā Māori: Teenage Māori mothers’ experiences of support for their holistic wellbeing and success

The study presented in this article is underpinned and guided by Kaupapa Māori theory and research principles (G. H. Smith, 1997; L. Smith, 2015). The purpose was to explore support systems comprising health, social, financial, education and whānau that exist for teenage Māori mothers / māmā Māori in Aotearoa New Zealand. Research participants were sourced from one Teen Parent Unit and are Māori who became mothers as teenagers. Effectiveness of support was assessed in terms of contribution to holistic wellbeing and success for māmā Māori. Holistic wellbeing and success were measured using Durie’s (1984) Te Whare Tapa Whā model, which represents four dimensions of health as the walls, or taha, of a house: taha tinana, taha hinengaro, taha wairua and taha whānau. This study sought to empower participants by focusing on and promoting only positive experiences of support. Māmā Māori contributing and sharing their insights was considered a tool for change, growth and empowerment. While education and whānau were found to be effective supports, māmā Māori experiences of health, social and financial support were often variable, less effective and, in some cases, damaging. In articulating the study findings, this article presents an opportunity for readers to consider how we currently support this precariat group, and the ways in which we can do better