1 Nov 2012

New resource for Maori grandparents

6:59 pm on 1 November 2012

The Families Commission has released a publication aimed at helping Maori grandparents.

Tupuna - Nga Kaitiaki Mokopuna uses the experiences of Maori to help others new to the role.

The commission says Maori grandparents have unique roles within whanau, particularly in the transmission of language, culture and whanau, hapu and iwi histories.

Its chief Maori advisor Kathie Irwin says research has provided some valuable insights from the perspective of Maori grandparents and in their own words.

She says some of the issues include the barriers of time and distance and the desire to understand their grandchildren better and the distress some of them feel when relationships break down.

Dr Irwin says the commission would like to see more recognition of the many roles that Maori grandparents can have and an acknowledgement of the support they may need.

She says most Maori grandparents say they find it enjoyable and satisfying to spend time with their mokopuna.