Weaving together the many strands of Indigenous nursing leadership: Towards a Whakapapa model of nursing leadership.

Abstract

This article builds on current leadership theories and incorporates mātauranga Māori (Māori knowledge systems) and Kaupapa Māori methodology to inform a new model of Indigenous nursing leadership. The development of this model was inspired by one Māori nurse as she navigated her own leadership style that didn’t ‘neatly fit’ within existing theories of leadership. The development of the Whakapapa nursing leadership model recognised her inherent mana and dignity as an Indigenous woman, a nurse, and lesbian; alongside the learned skills, the history, relationships, aspirations, and responsibilities that she negotiated in her role. This model recognises the mauri (essence) of a person, demonstrating that leadership cannot be separated from the whole, that it is dynamic and intrinsically connected through whakapapa (ancestry). The authors propose the weaving together of many strands of leadership; utilising existing mainstream models but with additional strands sourced from mātauranga Māori – mana taurite (pursuing fairness and equity), whakatu tōtika (seeking the best solutions), i te wa tika me te waahi (in the right time and place), whakamana te tāngata (uplifting the dignity of people), ngā piki me ngā heke (embracing the ups and downs), tika, pono, aroha (acting with integrity) and te whānau, te hapū, te iwi (being accountable to the collective). While these strands are not exhaustive, they intertwine with other unique nursing leadership attributes to create a strong and inclusive leadership model. Hence, leadership is like a kete (basket) - each kete is unique, has its own kōrero (story), its own strengths, and weaknesses; and is beautiful in its wholeness. Utilising a Whakapapa nursing leadership approach can enhance outcomes for Māori nurse leaders to be authentically themselves for the betterment of their services, teams, whānau and hapori (communities).