Much research has focussed on the disproportionate numbers of hapū māmā who smoke compared to Pākehā. The risks that hapū māmā take when they continue to smoke, and the barriers that lead to failed attempts to living smoke-free lives are highlighted in many studies. Some of these studies portray hapū māmā in a negative light.
Further research is needed to identify approaches that instil inspiration and hope into hapū māmā in their ability to lead smoke-free lives. This strengths-based study investigated key factors that motivated hapū māmā through the Ūkaipō wānanga; a Kaupapa Māori initiative, designed to specifically support hapū māmā to realise their inherent potential as they begin their journey towards starting and sustaining smoke-free lives for themselves, their pēpi and their whānau. The utilisation of the Kaupapa Māori Pū-Rā-Ka-Ū analysis methodology in this study ensured that the entire research approach was culturally accepted and methodologically sound to Māori. It is a study that was undertaken by Māori, with Māori, and to support Māori in achieving better health outcomes. The ability to undertake this study on marae across Tauranga Moana meant that the hapū māmā were provided with a safe space to share their pūrākau, gain mātauranga, reflect on their past and present selves, explore their potential, develop hopes and dreams, and to initiate change in relation to their smoking behaviour. The findings indicate that the hapū māmā gained motivation, inspiration, and hope through their attendance at the Ūkaipō wānanga, to achieve their dreams of becoming smoke-free and to becoming the māmā that they want to be. They were immersed in aroha, to reflect on who and where they came from and were able to reconnect with their Māoritanga, uncover their inherent potential and strength, to break-free from the negative influences that they have encountered, and develop their hopes and dreams for successful futures. There are many other Kaupapa Māori initiatives that allow for hapū māmā to take up opportunities to further develop these same connections and motivation. The Ūkaipō wānanga support these other initiatives and provides hapū māmā with further inspiration to gain mātauranga and further connection during their hapūtanga by experiencing them.