Whānau

Whānau (pronounced ˈfɑːnaʊ), is a Māori-language word for extended family, now increasingly entering New Zealand English,[1] particularly in official publications.[2][3]

In Māori society, the whānau is also a political unit, below the level of hapū and iwi, and the word itself also has other meanings: as a verb meaning to be born or give birth.

Contemporary Conceptions

Contemporary conceptions offer whānau in one of two ways:

  1. An “object or construction based on descent, cause or a mix of the two”; or
  2. “A collection of ideas”.[4]

As a descent construct, ‘whānau’ has been variably described as “the extended family”[5], “the extended family or community” [6], or simply family[7]

See also

References

  1. ^ Linklater, David (31 August 2008). "Keep the whanau smiling". The New Zealand Herald. http://www.nzherald.co.nz/david-linklater/news/article.cfm?a_id=371&objectid=10529893. Retrieved 3 December 2011. 
  2. ^ educate.ece.govt.nz
  3. ^ cyf.govt.nz
  4. ^ Gray, K. A. P. (2008). Tāniko : public participation, young Māori women, & whānau health. Massey Research Online. p. 10. http://hdl.handle.net/10179/640. 
  5. ^ Moltzen, R.; Macfarlane, H. A. (2006). "New Zealand: gifted and talented Maori learners". Diversity in gifted education: International perspectives on global issues. New York, NY: Routledge. p. 306. 
  6. ^ Thomas, T.; LaGrow, S. J,. "Whanau workers: Providing services for the indigenous people of New Zealand". Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness 88 (1): 86-90. 
  7. ^ Pere, R. (1984). "Te orange o te whanau: The health of the family". In Maori Health Planning Workshop. Hui Whakaoranga: Maori health planning workshop, Hoani Waititi Marae, 19-2 March, 1984. Wellington, New Zealand: New Zealand Department of Health.