Kaumātua

Kaumātua are elected tribal elders of either gender in a Māori community who have been involved with their whānau for a number of years. They are appointed by their people under the belief that the chosen elders have the capacity to teach and guide both current and future generations. Kaumātua must display a good knowledge of tikanga, history, and Te Reo; and their contribution must ensure that the mana of the whānau, hapū and iwi are maintained. Barlow (1994) refers to kaumātua as being the "keepers of knowledge and traditions of the family, sub-tribe and tribe". Although the term kaumātua is widely used to refer to male elders, male kaumātua are more correctly called koroua or koro, and female elders are called kuia.

Kaumātua never self-proclaim their elder status since this is not allowed according to the rules of mana; instead the people acknowledge an elder's kaumātua status. Other characteristics that kaumātua possess are humbleness, honesty, and integrity, which they display through their words and actions. Kaumātua usually have specialised skills in a particular area e.g. whakapapa, tikanga, etc. as well as information on other people who may have expertise in other fields.

In the past, kaumātua were believed to be "the reincarnation of a person who had acquired a supernatural or godly status after death, and who had become the protector of the family". These supernatural powers were believed to allow the "reincarnated spirits" to return to earth to provide influential guidance to the remaining family. It was believed that these powers allowed the kaumātua transform themselves into birds, fish and insects. Elders of the tribe made reference to these transformed states when predicting the future and fortunes of the tribe. Additionally, along with leadership and guidance of family and marae, many kaumātua exert a protective influence over the seas, rivers, lands and forests.

Kaumātua are deemed essential to any Māori community as well as health organisations which have affiliations with Māori. This includes kaimatai hinengaro (clinical psychologists), especially if they treat Māori clients or carry out health research on Māori participants. Kaumātua that are involved in health organisations are required to play pivotal roles in guiding kaimatai hinengaro, similar to their role in the Māori community.

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Wikipedia