The experiences of whānau and kaiako with Speech-Language Therapy in Kaupapa Māori education

In New Zealand, speechlanguage therapists work through both the health and the education systems. In common with many Indigenous peoples, Mäori have faced inequities in both health and education for decades. Kaupapa Mäori education systems have been developed to support educational success and the survival of kaupapa Mäori knowledge and te reo Mäori. However, disparities between Mäori and nonMäori still exist in the delivery of speechlanguage therapy services. The study reported in this article explored Mäori experiences of speechlanguage therapy in kaupapa Mäori education using Kaupapa Mäori methodology, an Indigenous research approach that privileges Mäori culture and knowledge. Six whänau members and educators all connected to one köhanga reo participated in a focus group, where they reported a mix of positive and negative experiences. Thematic analysis was used to identify four significant themes. The whänau emphasised the need for te ao Mäori to permeate all aspects of the therapy process, including a focus on te reo Mäori, suitable settings for therapy, use of relevant resources, and appropriate methods of communication.