A mother’s journey through takiwātanga and academia

At 62-years-young, Dr Jeanette Hastie has completed a PhD that’s deeply personal, political and grounded in aroha. Aroha for her whānau, for te ao Māori and for the next generation of tamariki living with takiwātanga (autism).

Born in Auckland, raised in Tokoroa and now based in Rotorua, Dr Hastie graduated with her PhD from Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University this week. Her doctoral research looked into the lived experiences of Māori māmā whose tamariki and rangatahi live with takiwātanga, a uniquely Māori way of understanding autism, and how those experiences intersect with education, health and community systems.

“My research highlights that the māmā understood takiwātanga through the most useful parts of the western system, whilst maintaining their own matauranga wāhine (Māori woman’s knowledge) from a te ao Māori perspective,” she explains.

“This perspective aligns with the perfection of their tamariki and rangatahi that is perceived as atua (god) granted.”

Rather than viewing autism as a deficit, her research highlights how the principles of whakawhanaungatanga, manaakitanga and tuakana/teina (older/younger sibling relationship) can create more positive outcomes for tamariki and whānau when applied meaningfully across education, health and community settings.

This kaupapa is close to home. Dr Hastie’s youngest tamāhine (daughter), now 27, lives with takiwātanga, so her personal journey has shaped every part of the research.

One thing that surprised her in the research was how support relating to funding, diagnosis and social services continue to be siloed, so that education, health and community systems remain separated.

Through it all, Dr Hastie credits the enduring support of Te Rau Puawai, through whom she was a bursar for 14 years during her studies.

“They provided more than just a scholarship for funding. They provided opportunities to come together with other ākonga, to seek advice from experts in academia and a space to tap into the wairua of te ao Māori to help in this long journey. All of my supervisors at Massey University were amazing. One in particular, Associate Professor Pania Te Maro, was a rock for me in the completion of the PhD. Her strength and belief in what/how I was completing this thesis will remain in a significant place in my heart.”

Now that her PhD is complete, Dr Hastie isn’t slowing down. She works with the Bachelor of Social Work team at The Open Polytechnic, training future social workers and continuing to publish in the disability field. She’s also dedicating time to the community, volunteering with whānau navigating autism and advocating for long-term care solutions.

“I plan to volunteer my time in the community working with whānau and takiwātanga/autism. I will continue to be an activist and advocate in this space as I organise the long-term arrangements for my beautiful tamāhine, Bricharne, in her own home with 24/7 care.”

Jeanette’s message to other Māori ākonga is one of encouragement and deep belief:

“I would like to encourage other Māori ākonga from certificate qualifications all the way to a PhD. You can do it! Look for like-minded people to support you at home, in the community and at Massey University. Listen to the whispers in your soul that reminds you that you will make a difference in the world.”

Poipoi te kākano kia puawai
Nurture the seed and it will blossom