Transitory Māori Identities - Māori students shape-shifting like Māui

Abstract

Mäui is remembered in Mäori narrative as a change maker, a challenger of boundaries and a trickster. However, in the 21st century these characteristics are likely to be frowned upon rather than celebrated in Aotearoa New Zealand’s education system. Mäori students experiencing complex needs, like Mäui, are known for pushing the boundaries. Rather than signalling strength of character, these characteristics are frequently viewed as deficits. This article discusses research with five Year 10 mainstream Mäori students experiencing complex needs in their lives, and how shapeshifting, as a positive mechanism, allowed the participants to enact their identities in different ways and in different contexts. Using Püräkau, a Mäori narrative qualitative research methodology, the püräkau of the participants, whose experiences or stories have been unrecognised or unheard, are privileged (Lee, 2005, 2008). Overall, the participants wanted professionals to get to know them for who they are, know that they have life aspirations and know that they are proud to be Mäori.