In an earlier paper (TeApatu, et al., 2014) we argued that researching indigenous issues in commonly known and referred to as “new” countries with a young history requires a good understanding of the cultural issues in order to inform study design and methodology. We
also argued that this approach must be followed for researching any minority groups. Clearly, methodologies which are adopted for the general population have been based on the theories and assumptions under the dominant culture. Without ascertaining correct cultural assumptions these methodologies will fail when they are applied to minority groups, indigenous population or a different population.
One of the biggest problems within indigenous research is the assumption that the cultural assumptions can be met if the research is carried out by a member of an indigenous population. In order to make our methodologies and policies more appropriate to the indigenous and minority groups, the current thinking is to train these groups to deliver research or care policies. The assumption is that a methodology/policy becomes indigenous friendly and more acceptable if it is delivered by an indigenous person. Unfortunately, if a
methodology or policy is developed by others with a different set of assumptions it will always be inappropriate regardless of who delivers it.
In this paper we report results from the first phase of a non-restrictive application of methodology, as reported earlier (TeApatu, et al., 2014), to research the Maori word “Kaiawhina”. We illustrate how the need for data is suitably met, uncovering valuable and informative information through the collection of Maori lived histories, by immersing into the Maori culture.