Collective action by Māori in response to flooding in the southern Rangitīkei region

Abstract

The capacity of Indigenous communities to respond collectively to crises consistently shows the importance of shared traditions values and practices and genealogical ties. Government responses to traumatic events that affect whole communities tend to be generic in their scope overlooking the significant strengths and resources held by Indigenous peoples. This study presents a Kaupapa Māori case study of collaborative efforts to respond to traumatic events between several communities of local tribes, immigrant tribes, and tau-iwi (non-Indigenous people). Concentrated on a rural community prone to flooding, this study examined community efforts to provide support for those affected by flooding in the Southern Rangitīkei area of New Zealand. Key informants included 10 Indigenous community leaders (ICL), and 22 health and social service community practitioners. Four key themes were identified: Collective aspirations mobilise in traumatic events; genealogical relationships bring people together; collective leadership drives the vision; and Indigenous values inform responses to traumatic events. A salient outcome was that shared historical connection, and shared aspirations for cultural regeneration activated Indigenous communities to engage in collective action. Key barriers and enablers to collective action between Māori and tau-iwi are presented. Recommendations for analysing further responses to trauma in Indigenous communities are proposed.

Learning from Floods—How a Community Develops Future Resilience

“…Following the shift of focus in New Zealand towards risk management consisting of reduction and readiness approaches, a community-based action plan is usually prepared [53]. The action plan includes raising community awareness by building effective hazard risk communication [33,45,54], supporting the community from all backgrounds and financial abilities [55], and a guide for property level and small-scale businesses protection and repairing strategies [22,34,35], supporting local knowledge [56] and traditional practices whenever relevant [57,58]. Such a community-based approach empowers a community to take measures to achieve resilience from floods.…”

“…Each of these groups is a sub-committee of the council and includes Māori representatives. In practice, while involving Māori representatives in the catchment group is necessary [57,58], the connection outside this group needs to be strengthened, for example, by showing more support at community events, traditional ceremonies, and being visible at other cultural activities.…”