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KaumatuaKaumatua are respected male tribal elders in a Maori community who have been involved with their whanau for a number of years. They are appointed by their people who believe the chosen elders have the capacity to teach and guide both current and future generations. Kaumatua have good knowledge of Tikanga, history, and Te Reo; and their contribution ensures that the mana of the whanau, hapu, and iwi are maintained. Barlow (1994) refers to Kaumatua as being the "keepers of knowledge and traditions of the family, sub-tribe and tribe". Characteristics Kaumatua never self-proclaim their elder status since this is not allowed according to the rules of mana; instead the people acknowledge an elders Kaumatua status (maori.org.nz). Other characteristics that Kaumatua possess are humbleness, honesty, and integrity, which they display through their words and actions (maori.org.nz). Kaumatua usually have specialised skills in a particular area e.g. whakapapa, tikanga, etc as well as information on other people who may have expertise in other fields (maori.org.nz). Powers In the past, Kaumatua were believed to be "the reincarnation of a person who had acquired a supernatural or godly status after death, and who had become the protector of the family" (Barlow, 1994, p. 40). These supernatural powers allowed the reincarnated spirits to return to earth to provide influential guidance to the remaining family (Barlow, 1994, p. 40). It was believed that these powers allowed the Kaumatua to transform themselves into "birds, fish and insects" (Barlow. 1994, p. 41). Elders of the tribe made reference to these transformed states when predicting the future and fortunes of the tribe (Barlow, 1994). Additionally, along with leadership and guidance of family and marae, many Kaumatua exert a protective influence over "the seas, rivers, lands and forests" (Barlow, 1994, p. 41). Relationships with health organisations Kaumatua are essential to any Maori community as well as health organisations which have affiliations with Maori. This includes kaimatai hinengaro (clinical psychologists), especially if they treat Maori clients or carry out health research on Maori participants. Kaumatua that are involved in health organisations play a pivotal role in guiding kaimatai hinengaro, similar to their role in the Maori community. Whilst the importance of Kaumatua guidance has been predominantly acknowledged by Maori, greater awareness in non-Maori circles is beginning to acknowledge their knowledge bases as well. Non-Maori kaimatai hinengaro treating Maori clients or carrying out medical research on Maori are realizing the benefits of working under the guidance of Kaumatua. For kaimatai hinengaro carrying out health research on Maori, Kaumatua of local iwi can be contacted through the Ministry of Maori Development. The offices of Te Puni Kokiri employ Maori liaison authorities who maintain a "register of local iwi contact people" (Smith, Smith & McNaughton, 1999, p. 27). Once contact is made, research objectives and outcomes are discussed with Kaumatua and other tribal elders. Key contact individuals are appointed for both research and iwi sides. While the contact person for the research may be the kaimatai hinengaro, Kaumatua usually represent the iwi and provide feedback on satisfaction with research methods and treatment of Maori participants. References - Barlow, 1994: Tikanga whakaaro: key concepts in Mori culture. Oxford University Press, Auckland, New Zealand.
- Smith, L. T., Smith, G. H., McNaughton, T. & EEO Trust. (1999). Working with Maori / Te mahi tahi ki te Maori: a beginner's guide for employers. Equal Opportunities Trust, Auckland New Zealand.
- The main Maori site on the net. Tikanga definitions of Kaumatua. http://maori.org.nz/ Retrieved on 17 August, 2004.
External links *http://maori.org.nz/
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