Maori Grandfathers in Aotearoa (New Zealand)

Abstract

Maori society in Aotearoa, the Maori name for New Zealand, is organized on the basis of tribes and extended families (whanau). Where whanau continue to be strong, they exhibit shared parenting and strong relationships between grandchildren and grandparents. Traditional grandparenting roles can be harder to maintain in the modern context, with the influences of urbanization, migration and reduced co-residence. Nevertheless, Maori grandfathers speak proudly of their tribal heritage and ancestry. They emphasize their roles of protecting and passing on traditional knowledge and maintaining intergenerational continuity. Where necessary, grandparents may take over the raising of grandchildren considered to be at risk. The New Zealand Children, Young Persons and their Families Act (1989) was strongly influenced by traditional Maori concepts of whanau and collective responsibility for children.