October 27, 2015
Old and poor but immersed in culture
A University of Auckland study has found older Maori in poorer areas are significantly more likely to regularly attend a marae.
They’re also more likely to know their tikanga than those in wealthier areas.
The report on participation in Maori society comes out of the long-running study of aging in New Zealand, Te Puawaitanga O Nga Tapuwae Kia Ora Tonu – also known as LILACS, for the Life and Living in Advanced Age: a Cohort Study.
It found almost all Maori participating in the study had been to a marae in the previous year.
Half the pakeke had a complete understanding of their tikanga, and there was no significant difference in this between kaumatua and kuia.
Lead researcher Ngaire Kerse, a professor of geriatric medicine at the university, says engagement in culture is part of life for older Maori and important for their quality of life.
Almost half of those Maori surveyed said their contacts were mainly with other Maori, but one in five said they had little or no contact with Maori.
Copyright © 2015, UMA Broadcasting Ltd: www.waateanews.com