The Cost of Dying: A Te Ao Māori Perspective

Abstract

Tangihanga often place significant financial pressure on families (Barlow, 1991; McNeill et al. 2022).  According to Māori funeral director Francis Tipene, tangihanga (customary Māori funerals) costs can exceed NZD $8,000, prompting many Māori to reconsider traditional funeral practices (Te Ao Māori News, 2015). The disappearance of tangihanga would be yet another triumph for the colonial project. Cultural significance of tangihanga is the central focus of my research, driving my exploration of the intersection between Māori customs and environmental stewardship. Understanding the evolution of Māori economic development is paramount in comprehending how Māori can effectively participate in this industry. The adaptation of traditional practices, such as the incorporation of Western embalming techniques and conventional burial practices, poses complex challenges that intersect with deeply ingrained Māori values. Modern funeral practices contravene kaitiakitanga (duty of care to the environment). Urupā tautaiao (Māori natural burials) addresses this issue.  However, affordability within the context of death is the key driver of my research. By embracing culturally responsive strategies and recognising the complexities of Māori economic resilience, we can support tangihanga sustainability. My presentation adopts a multifaceted approach: first, to understand the costs associated with death from a te ao Māori perspective, and second, to explore the entrepreneurial spirit within Māori communities to identify opportunities for Māori in grassroots businesses.