Kaumatua are respected male tribal elders in a Maori community who have been involved with their whanau for a number of years. They are appointed by their people who believe the chosen elders have the capacity to teach and guide both current and future generations. Kaumatua have good knowledge of Tikanga, history, and Te Reo; and their contribution ensures that the mana of the whanau, hapu, and iwi are maintained. Barlow (1994) refers to Kaumatua as being the "keepers of knowledge and traditions of the family, sub-tribe and tribe". An elder refers to various Wikipedia topics. ... Te Puni, Māori Chief Māori is the name of the indigenous people of New Zealand, and their language. ... Whanau is a Maori language word for extended family. ... Māori (or Maori) is a language spoken by the native peoples of New Zealand and the Cook Islands. ... Mana refers to a supernatural force said to exist within all things, sometimes associated with maternal or lunar magic in mythology. ... Māori culture is a distinctive part of New Zealand culture. ... Iwi (pronounced ee-wee) are the largest everyday social units in Māori society. ... This article is about the domestic group. ... This article is on the social structure. ...

Characteristics

Kaumatua never self-proclaim their elder status since this is not allowed according to the rules of mana; instead the people acknowledge an elder’s Kaumatua status (maori.org.nz). Other characteristics that Kaumatua possess are humbleness, honesty, and integrity, which they display through their words and actions (maori.org.nz). Kaumatua usually have specialised skills in a particular area e.g. whakapapa, tikanga, etc as well as information on other people who may have expertise in other fields (maori.org.nz). Whakapapa or genealogy is a fundamental principle that permeates the whole of Maori culture. ...

Powers

In the past, Kaumatua were believed to be "the reincarnation of a person who had acquired a supernatural or godly status after death, and who had become the protector of the family" (Barlow, 1994, p. 40). These supernatural powers allowed the reincarnated spirits to return to earth to provide influential guidance to the remaining family (Barlow, 1994, p. 40). It was believed that these powers allowed the Kaumatua to transform themselves into "birds, fish and insects" (Barlow. 1994, p. 41). Elders of the tribe made reference to these transformed states when predicting the future and fortunes of the tribe (Barlow, 1994). Additionally, along with leadership and guidance of family and marae, many Kaumatua exert a protective influence over "the seas, rivers, lands and forests" (Barlow, 1994, p. 41). Reincarnation, also called metempsychosis or transmigration of souls, is the rebirth in another body (after physical death), of some critical part of a persons personality or spirit. ... The supernatural refers to conscious magical, religious or unknown forces that cannot ordinarily be perceived except through their effects. ... This article focuses on the monotheistic concept of a singular God. ... Shapeshifting, transformation or transmogrification refers to a change in the form or shape of a person. ... A Maori word now common in New Zealand English, marae refers an area of land where the Wharenui or meeting house (literally big house) sits. ...

Relationships with health organisations

Kaumatua are essential to any Maori community as well as health organisations which have affiliations with Maori. This includes kaimatai hinengaro (clinical psychologists), especially if they treat Maori clients or carry out health research on Maori participants. Kaumatua that are involved in health organisations play a pivotal role in guiding kaimatai hinengaro, similar to their role in the Maori community. Health can be defined negatively, as the absence of illness, functionally as the ability to cope with everyday activities, or positively, as fitness and well-being. ... Clinical psychology is the application of psychology to mental illness or mental health problems. ...

Whilst the importance of Kaumatua guidance has been predominantly acknowledged by Maori, greater awareness in non-Maori circles is beginning to acknowledge their knowledge bases as well. Non-Maori kaimatai hinengaro treating Maori clients or carrying out medical research on Maori are realizing the benefits of working under the guidance of Kaumatua. For kaimatai hinengaro carrying out health research on Maori, Kaumatua of local iwi can be contacted through the Ministry of Maori Development. The offices of Te Puni Kokiri employ Maori liaison authorities who maintain a "register of local iwi contact people" (Smith, Smith & McNaughton, 1999, p. 27). Once contact is made, research objectives and outcomes are discussed with Kaumatua and other tribal elders. Key contact individuals are appointed for both research and iwi sides. While the contact person for the research may be the kaimatai hinengaro, Kaumatua usually represent the iwi and provide feedback on satisfaction with research methods and treatment of Maori participants. Medical research is research conducted to aid the body of knowledge in the field of medicine. ... Iwi (pronounced ee-wee) are the largest everyday social units in Māori society. ...

References

• Barlow, 1994: Tikanga whakaaro: key concepts in Mäori culture. Oxford University Press, Auckland, New Zealand.
• Smith, L. T., Smith, G. H., McNaughton, T. & EEO Trust. (1999). Working with Maori / Te mahi tahi ki te Maori: a beginner's guide for employers. Equal Opportunities Trust, Auckland New Zealand.
• The main Maori site on the net. Tikanga definitions of Kaumatua. http://maori.org.nz/ Retrieved on 17 August, 2004.

External links

• http://maori.org.nz/