Practitioners' experiences of collaboration, working with and for rural Māori

To understand the unique experiences of collaborating across health and social services in a rural setting with and for Māori with substance use and related problems, two focus groups were undertaken. This preliminary study used qualitative methods, following theory and practice informed by Māori values. Three culturally relevant themes were identified: collaboration as a tikanga (practice informed by Māori values) based practice, whanaunga (relative) or kupapa (traitor)?, and whanaungatanga (relationships) as collaborative practice. These themes highlighted the importance of Māori values in collaborative relationships, and the positive benefits for clients and practitioners collaborating to meet the holistic needs of whānau (family). Several unique experiences of Māori practitioners working and at times living in small rural communities were identified; these included the tensions associated with practitioners who may have existing relationships with clients through roles as family members, tribal members or within the wider community. Enablers to collaboration were argued to exist within the dynamic of whanaungatanga. Understandings and skills in applying tikanga, whakapapa (genealogy), confidentiality, and connecting clients with broader community activities were identified as important aspects in the practice of whanaungatanga.