Wahineata Smith
2025: Dr Wahineata Smith of Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka – University of Otago will study the experiences of Māori and Tongan families raising children with dual heritages
Cultural identity plays a critical role in shaping the development and wellbeing of tamariki children. People who identify solely as Pacific score higher on the Pacific Identity and Wellbeing Scale than those with mixed Pacific and non-Pacific identities, suggesting that dual ethnicities may lead to identity-confusion and negative effects on mental health.
In their New Zealand Mana Tūāpapa Future Leader Fellowship, Dr Wahineata Smith (Ngāti Korokī Kahukura, Ngāti Ranginui) will use mixed methods to investigate how Māori and Tongan whānau raise dual-heritage children and how culture, language, and identity shape their wellbeing. This research will clarify the realities facing dual-ethnic families, and allow development of practical strategies and digital resources to support this growing demographic. This will help families to thrive, and reduce long-term pressure on education, health, and social systems.