“Biculturation”: Transnational social workers navigating movement into indigenous space in Aotearoa New Zealand

Abstract

“Biculturation”: Transnational social workers navigating movement into indigenous space in Aotearoa New Zealand Based on 20 semi-structured interviews, participants identified their learning, including formal learning, learning through practice, and learning by being in relationship with Māori. Challenges identified by participants involved having little structured orientation to a new culture, feeling judged and significant cultural differences. Suggestions from participants to improve the process of transition include having a systemic approach to learning about the bicultural environment, provision of mandatory bicultural work induction and providing cultural supervision once in practice.