Maia Ratana, Hinekura Smith, Dallas Cherrington, Rahiri Mākuini Edwards-Hammond, Rosa Hibbert-Schooner, Lani Rotzler-Purewa, Jenny Lee-Morgan
Abstract
This rangatahi-centred co-authorship aims to gain a deeper understanding of rangatahi leadership through the voices and experiences of four rangatahi Māori, connected by a Kaupapa Māori research project called Generation Kāinga (Gen K). Gen K aims to advance understandings of rangatahi realities and aspirations in relation to kāinga and, importantly, transform the housing context for rangatahi and their whānau. Gen K supports rangatahi Māori to become change agents in promoting and developing intergenerational kāinga solutions that go beyond bricks and mortar. These can include the reclamation of cultural narratives and practices, the mobilisation of political campaigns and social movements and the restoration and protection of the taiao, all of which influence the health and well-being of kāinga. The title of this article – Ina te mahi rangatahi, ina te mahi rangatira, is a play on the whakataukī, – ina te mahi rangatira; – by actions a chief is recognised. However, by incorporating ina te mahi rangatahi, it evokes the idea that rangatahi actions can mirror those of a chief, sharpening their skill sets, navigating the different spaces they occupy, and leading alongside peers, whānau, hapū, and iwi.
