Methodology
The project brief established some key expectations in terms of the methodology. Accordingly, this is a piece of research that is qualitative in nature, and based on a narrative enquiry or storytelling approach. The demographic profile of the areas in which the research was carried out was the means used to try and ensure that a diversity of whanau type and Maori experience was represented. As the case profiles show, this diversity of experience was evident. It should be noted that while clear themes emerge, we only have the stories of those who felt confident enough to take part in a research process. No attempt was made to use a case study approach and interview applicants and respondents involved in the same proceedings. This could have created a significant risk of inappropriate transfer of information between parties, and in some instances there was potential for physical risk. It would also have meant that cases could have been more readily identifiable, and made issues of confidentiality difficult to manage.
The researchers who worked on the project are Maori, and have had considerable experience in working with whanau in social services and justice settings. Our values and beliefs as Maori researchers formed the basis of our analytical framework or methodology. Linda Smith argues that:
Methodology is important because it frames the questions being asked, determines the set of instruments and methods to be employed and shapes the analysis.7
The distinction she adopts between methodology as 'a theory of how research does or should proceed' and a method 'as a technique for or way of proceeding gathering evidence'8 is one that is increasingly used in both indigenous and feminist research contexts.
While kaupapa Maori research and initiatives have been variously described, Graham Smith's summary usefully identifies the points that are salient in terms of this research.
He contends that kaupapa Maori research:
1. is related to being Maori;
2. is related to Maori values and principles;
3. takes for granted the value and legitimacy of Maori, the importance of Maori language and culture; and
4. is concerned with 'the struggle for autonomy over our own culture and well-being'.9
Those conducting the interviews and engaging with research participants were Maori, as were the participants.10 The objectives of the research are clearly linked to developing an understanding of the ways that Maori values and principles can be given greater consideration within the Family Court, and in the framing of legislation. The risks of using an existing Western legal paradigm as a starting point for discussing Maori perspectives on the care and upbringing of children are rightly pointed out by Ani Mikaere in the literature review. A wider and significant argument also exists in regard to the relationship between state sponsored research, indigenous projects and the struggle for autonomy Smith refers to.
In terms of the methodology adopted within this research, the commitment to Maori values and principles, and the legitimacy of Maori language and culture found expression in a series of questions that governed decision-making processes and methods used. The use of these questions as an internal frame of reference promoted processes of reflection and dialogue. This reflection and dialogue centered on key issues such as the physical and cultural safety of participants and researchers, and the methods used to engage participants and meet the information needs set out in the project brief. The questions were:
What is the tikanga pertaining to engaging with this person or
whanau?
What is the tikanga that governs my decision making as a
researcher?
What is the tika response when I am faced with a difficulty in
the course of carrying out the research?
Tikanga as used here 'does not denote a static set of rules'.11 It refers rather to a set of principles and practices that result in the appropriate demonstration of respect to all people, and the maintenance of order in conducting relationships.
In terms of the selection of methods for the research, this resulted in the use of interviewing processes that placed emphasis on:
- Participant selection of the time and place of interview;
- Participants having whanau support whenever desired;
- Minimal use of paper-based tools;
- Plain language description of participant's rights in the research process;
- Allowing time for mihimihi, karakia, kapu ti, depending on the preference of the participant;
- Bringing some kai when interviews took place in participants' homes;
- Provision for participants who traveled to an interview;
- Ensuring participants knew how to contact the researchers after interview if they wished to withdraw;
- Developing a knowledge of a range of iwi/Maori support people and services should participants require further support.
A primary emphasis was placed on the use of a korero mai approach that allowed participants to tell their stories in their own way. It was the responsibility of the researchers to listen to the stories, and link the stories back to the information needs.
4.1 Carrying Out the Research
The research has been conducted in two parts, the first part being a Pilot Study, the second being the Main Study involving two different districts. The Pilot Study was built into the project brief as a means of ascertaining likely response levels for the Main Study, and for identifying other issues, which could result in modifications of approach for the Main Study. The Pilot Study was conducted in a court district with a large urban centre with a significant Maori population, with a number of Maori also in the surrounding rural areas.
Footnotes
7 Smith, Linda, Decolonising Methodologies, 1999, p143.
8 See above.
9 Cited in Smith, Linda, reference above, p185.
10 The exception was a respondent who was wrongly identified as Maori on Family Court record, but was the father of four Maori children.
11 See discussion of meanings of tika and tikanga in He Hinatore ki Te Ao Maori, Ministry of Justice, 2001, p10.
