Community resilience demonstrated through a Te Ao Maori (Ngati Manawa) lens: The Rahui

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: This research project is associated with a small rural community utilising the Te Ao Maori (Ngati Manawa) understanding of Rahui, as a means of decreasing the possibility of negative impacts for their mostly Maori population, during the Covid-19 pandemic that was experienced in March 2020 in Aotearoa New Zealand. Rahui is a conservation measure shrouded in tapu designed to limit, restrict or prevent access to the natural environment. For example, Te Wao Tapu nui a Tane protecting in the process the mauri of our rivers, lakes, streams following a mishap or misfortune such as a drowning. Equally as important, Rahui was used as a proactive means of conservation. METHOD: Using mixed methods, this study highlights both positive and challenging experiences in the statistical and thematic analysis that may inform future public health planning for the inevitable and ongoing effects of pandemic responses in Aotearoa New Zealand which are potentially transportable beyond Aotearoa New Zealand. IMPLICATIONS This research identified how Ngati Manawa of Murupara, utilised Rahui as a mechanism of resilience in order to keep local residents thriving and healthy during and after the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown by setting up checkpoints on the borders of their rohe, and restricting the vehicle and human traffic into Murupara. Support for the Rahui was significant from five hapu leaders and from the community survey illuminating a sense of safety that the checkpoints offered to a vulnerable and mostly Maori rural community.