Sports policy and the Maori woman athlete from a Maori perspective

Abstract

This study examined whether or not government policies relating to sport (particularly those of the Hillary Commission as the central Crown agency) catered for the needs and values of elite Maori women athletes. The research is two-fold: firstly, an examination of the central and regional policies and how these have been implemented; secondly, an examination of how a selection of Maori women athletes felt that these policies had impacted upon them. For this study, the main guidelines and methods were set up from within a Maori perspective. This meant that I, the researcher, was never alone in my research. The study followed the principle of whakawhitiwhiti whakaaro (shared thoughts): information was sought through consultation and negotiation with Maori. It was important that any recommendations would point out possible improvements in the delivery service of sport to Maori, taking into account their values and needs. Of particular importance was the lack of consultation and ownership of programmes that Maori women encountered when participating in their chosen sport, and the lack of understanding from the predominantly non-Maori coaches and administrators. The resounding problem was that only one view seemed to be allowed for and this was white and middle class.