Tūmanako: Kaupapa Māori informed action research with young mothers

This research is kaupapa Māori informed action research that was carried out in collaboration with a rōpū of young mothers and a local Wellington based film company. Originally intended as an action research project in collaboration with a group of young people to produce a mental health-themed resource, during a series of hui around experiences of the rōpū it became apparent that this project would be devoted to the creation of a short film. Specifically, an inspirational resource for other young mothers. The film was intended to promote hope for other young mothers who are going through the challenges of young parenthood, and offer advice around supports they can access to help them get through such times. This thesis documents how kaupapa Māori principles influenced the development of this resource, and also highlights common experiences, challenges, coping mechanisms and support accessed by the rōpū. Among other themes, it became clear that teen parenthood was not the ‘cause’ of challenges experienced by this rōpū, but a source of motivation and hope for the future.