Facilitators of, and barriers to, whānau engagement in Kaupapa Māori early years provision: A retrospective survey at a Taranaki-based centre

Abstract

Kaupapa Māori early years provision (KM-EYP) has underpinned efforts to revitalise Māori language and culture throughout Aotearoa New Zealand. Although many tamariki and whānau have benefited from engagement in KM-EYP, less than 20% of tamariki Māori currently participate. Kaupapa Māori psychological research is needed to better understand what facilitates participation among whānau who attend KM-EYP. This article describes findings from a study that aimed to understand whānau engagement in KM-EYP. An online survey was developed to test findings of an earlier qualitative phase of an overall study. The survey was completed by 121 parents/grandparents whose tamariki had attended one KM-EYP centre in Taranaki, at some stage, since it opened in 1994. This article reports on the top ranked motivations of whānau to enrol their tamariki in KM-EYP and the top ranked facilitators of, and barriers to, their engagement. The findings provide novel evidence about what impacts whānau participation and engagement in KM-EYP.