title: Claiming space and restoring harmony within hui whakatika

authors: Berryman, Mere

subjects: Maori

abstract: The time has come for indigenous, specifically Māori psychologies, to move from the margins, and claim legitimate space within the discipline of psychology (MPRU, 2007). Phinney and Rotheram (1987) argue that there are ethnicallylinked ways of thinking, feeling and acting that are acquired through socialisation. The message implicit in this statement has profound implications for a discipline that seeks to understand and respond to the intricacies of human behaviour. Although the epistemological paradigms emerging from the experiences of indigenous minorities such as Māori may offer a challenge to mainstream knowledge and perspectives (Gordon, 1997), it is clear that disregarding such alternatives may well leave the discipline of psychology impoverished. On the other hand, paying attention to alternative paradigms may well serve to enrich this discipline. This paper presents two successful Hui Whakatika that were led by Māori in mainstream settings. Particular dimensions of, and congruencies between both are explored. The first highlights the vital role of a kaumatua in facilitating and guiding the entire process; the second focuses on the role and experiences of a kaitakawaenga as he works collaboratively with whānau members to find resolution and restore harmony.

text: Claiming space and restoring harmony within hui whakatika The time has come for indigenous, specifically Māori psychologies, to move from the margins, and claim legitimate space within the discipline of psychology (MPRU, 2007). Phinney and Rotheram (1987) argue that there are ethnicallylinked ways of thinking, feeling and acting that are acquired through socialisation. The message implicit in this statement has profound implications for a discipline that seeks to understand and respond to the intricacies of human behaviour. Although the epistemological paradigms emerging from the experiences of indigenous minorities such as Māori may offer a challenge to mainstream knowledge and perspectives (Gordon, 1997), it is clear that disregarding such alternatives may well leave the discipline of psychology impoverished. On the other hand, paying attention to alternative paradigms may well serve to enrich this discipline. This paper presents two successful Hui Whakatika that were led by Māori in mainstream settings. Particular dimensions of, and congruencies between both are explored. The first highlights the vital role of a kaumatua in facilitating and guiding the entire process; the second focuses on the role and experiences of a kaitakawaenga as he works collaboratively with whānau members to find resolution and restore harmony.

year: 2008

title: Effects of industry on Maori cultural values: The case of the Tarawera River

authors: Dodd, Materoa

subjects: New Zealand

abstract: The research is a case study of the relationship between three tribes; Te Arawa, Tuwharetoa ki Kawerau and Ngāti Awa and the Tarawera River during the second half of the 20th century when the river was polluted with effluent from pulp and paper mills. It involves the cultural story of the Tarawera River as told by the iwi (tribes) of the river informed by Maori epistemologies and what has come to be known as a ‗kaupapa Maori research' approach. Reference is made to the history, legends, customs and lifestyle that have arisen from the relationship between iwi and the river. It includes comments on the pollution of the river from members of each iwi. The world views, experiences, and perceptions reported on here have forced a fundamental change on the iwi, a change that has affected their cultural and social relationship to the river. The price of economic development on the river has been cultural and ecological genocide. 
The cultural voice echoes a familiar story in indigenous communities. In the Maori context the research provides opportunities for further inquiry into determining the socio-cultural, economic and political future of the iwi of the river.

text: Effects of industry on Maori cultural values: The case of the Tarawera River The research is a case study of the relationship between three tribes; Te Arawa, Tuwharetoa ki Kawerau and Ngāti Awa and the Tarawera River during the second half of the 20th century when the river was polluted with effluent from pulp and paper mills. It involves the cultural story of the Tarawera River as told by the iwi (tribes) of the river informed by Maori epistemologies and what has come to be known as a ‗kaupapa Maori research' approach. Reference is made to the history, legends, customs and lifestyle that have arisen from the relationship between iwi and the river. It includes comments on the pollution of the river from members of each iwi. The world views, experiences, and perceptions reported on here have forced a fundamental change on the iwi, a change that has affected their cultural and social relationship to the river. The price of economic development on the river has been cultural and ecological genocide. 
The cultural voice echoes a familiar story in indigenous communities. In the Maori context the research provides opportunities for further inquiry into determining the socio-cultural, economic and political future of the iwi of the river.

year: 2010

title: Usability testing: a Malaysian study

authors: Yeo, Alvin

subjects: usability testing

abstract: An exploratory study of software assessment techniques is conducted in Malaysia. Subjects in the study comprised staff members of a Malaysian university with a high Information Technology (IT) presence. The subjects assessed a spreadsheet tool with a Bahasa Melayu (Malaysia’s national language) interface. Software evaluation techniques used include the think aloud method, interviews and the System Usability Scale. The responses in the various techniques used are reported and initial results indicate idiosyncratic behaviour of Malaysian subjects. The implications of the findings are also discussed.

text: Usability testing: a Malaysian study An exploratory study of software assessment techniques is conducted in Malaysia. Subjects in the study comprised staff members of a Malaysian university with a high Information Technology (IT) presence. The subjects assessed a spreadsheet tool with a Bahasa Melayu (Malaysia’s national language) interface. Software evaluation techniques used include the think aloud method, interviews and the System Usability Scale. The responses in the various techniques used are reported and initial results indicate idiosyncratic behaviour of Malaysian subjects. The implications of the findings are also discussed.

year: 1997-07