Collective action by Māori in response to flooding in the southern Rangitīkei region

Abstract

ABSTRACT The capacity of Indigenous communities to respond collectively to crises consistently shows the importance of shared traditions values and practices and genealogical ties. Government responses to traumatic events that affect whole communities tend to be generic in their scope overlooking the significant strengths and resources held by Indigenous peoples. This study presents a Kaupapa Māori case study of collaborative efforts to respond to traumatic events between several communities of local tribes, immigrant tribes, and tau-iwi (non-Indigenous people). Concentrated on a rural community prone to flooding, this study examined community efforts to provide support for those affected by flooding in the Southern Rangitīkei area of New Zealand. Key informants included 10 Indigenous community leaders (ICL), and 22 health and social service community practitioners. Four key themes were identified: Collective aspirations mobilise in traumatic events; genealogical relationships bring people together; collective leadership drives the vision; and Indigenous values inform responses to traumatic events. A salient outcome was that shared historical connection, and shared aspirations for cultural regeneration activated Indigenous communities to engage in collective action. Key barriers and enablers to collective action between Māori and tau-iwi are presented. Recommendations for analysing further responses to trauma in Indigenous communities are proposed.