Whakapapa and whanaukataka:

Rev. Maurice Manawaroa Gray

doi:10.9791/ajpanz.2003.03

Rev. Maurice Manawaroa Gray

DOI: https://doi.org/10.9791/ajpanz.2003.03

Abstract

The traditional world of the Māori understands relationships in the context of Whakapapa and Whanaukaraka (Genealogical Relationships) that exist at the three levels of the cosmic, natural and human worlds, which are inextricably linked. Whakapapa is synergised in both apodictic and scientific truths, which co-exist in a complementary manner. Humanity is viewed as being merely a microcosm of the cosmic realm; the self is viewed as being a reflection of the Universe. Māori culture, then, insists on the indivisible linkages between all things, whether human, environmental, or celestial, which are all viewed as being related.

The inter-relationship between the four cosmic elements of Fire, Air, Water and Earth are synonymous with the micro-levels of the self: the Spiritual Body, the Psychological Body, the Emotional Body and the Physical Body. Maori therapeutic practices insist on the well-being of the person being centred around the mauri (life-force) of inner well-being; the balance of these with each other, with the four environmental elements, and with the cosmos.

At a therapeutic level, then, relationships for Māori refer to the interplay between the archetypal entities that exist within a person's cosmology, and the influence on these by their whanau, social contacts and interactions. In this context, the person understands themselves as existing as a part of the sum total, less important as an individual than the collective whole. It is important for psychotherapists to understand these complex elements when working with Māori clients.

Author Biography

Rev. Maurice Manawaroa Gray

As recorded in 2003.

Rev. Maurice Manawaroa Gray (MNZM, L.Th., J.P.) is a recognised Māori orator and authority in traditional Māori knowledge and practices, and is the Upoko of Te Runaka ki Otautahi o Kai Tahu. Former Director of the Centre for Māori Studies & Research at Lincoln University, he is currently a Director of Jade Associates in Christchurch. He is a spokesperson, advocate, leader, and advisor, whose wisdom and knowledge are sought after within a wide diversity of sectors including health and mental health, education, welfare, police, justice, resource management, employment, corrections, housing, and many others. Maurice provides cultural guidance and supervision to counsellors and therapists, both locally and nationally, as well as carrying out Tikaka Maori-based counselling himself. He is currently the South Island Māori advisor to the ACC, is a National Māori Board Member for NZ Children's Health Camps, was a former Board Director of Canterbury Health Limited and Board Member of the National Mental Health Foundation.

Whakapapa and whanaukataka

Relationships in the context of traditional Māori conceptual thought

Abstract

Author Biography