How can I as a Māori music therapy student develop the use of taonga puoro in my practice to support client recovery in an inpatient mental health setting?

This research focuses on developing the use of taonga puoro as part of an individual's music therapy practice, within the context of an acute mental health unit. This was qualitative research guided by Kaupapa Māori Theory, using a self-reflective action research design of three cycles. Through the three action research cycles, themes were observed and developed within the secondary analysis of clinical notes and a reflective journal, with action plans created as a response. At the end of the three cycles, a model for using taonga puoro in music therapy, 'Nga Pou e Ono', was created by looking retrospectively at the cycles. This research acknowledges the importance of narrative, depth of tpic, acknowledgment of self-determination, spirituality, personal power, and the environment within taonga puoro based music therapy. This research has been inspired by the works of other Māori and Indigenous music therapists such as Dennis Kahui (2008), Nolan Hodgson (2014), and Carolyn Kenny (1989), as well as acknowledging the traditions of taonga puoro for healing within Māori society, and the revivalists whose mahi aroha helped to further embed taonga puoro within te ao Māori.