How Does Te Reo Māori Enhance the Wellbeing of Staff at AUT?

Abstract

This study examines the impact of Te Reo Māori on the holistic wellbeing of Māori staff at Auckland University of Technology (AUT), using a Kaupapa Māori Research methodology approach and Te Whare Tapa Whā health model as guiding frameworks. Through semi-structured interviews with six Māori staff members, the research investigated how engagement with Te Reo Māori enhances cultural identity, emotional resilience, social belonging, and professional empowerment in the workplace. Findings demonstrate that Te Reo Māori extends beyond a linguistic function, acting as a powerful mechanism for cultural reclamation and holistic wellbeing. Participants described enhanced self-confidence, enriched workplace relationships, and a reinforced sense of cultural identity through language engagement. However, whakamā (feelings of shame or embarrassment) and intergenerational language loss emerged as challenges to engagement. The study highlights the critical role of workplace Te Reo Māori initiatives in enhancing staff wellbeing and affirming cultural identity. This research contributes to the broader discourse on language revitalisation and Indigenous wellbeing, emphasising the necessity for continued investment in Te Reo Māori to enhance staff wellbeing. This study advocates for expanded workplace language initiatives and deeper investigation into professional environments to further examine the intricate connections between language, identity, and wellbeing.