Physical activity of young Māori and Pasifika wāhine: a strengths-based qualitative study in Aotearoa New Zealand

Young Māori (Indigenous New Zealanders) and Pasifika (Pacific Islanders born outside their country of heritage) wāhine (women) in Aotearoa—Māori name for New Zealand—are reported as being less active compared to other young women and men. Taking strengths-based approaches, we amplify the voices of physically active young Māori and Pasifika wāhine to provide insights that can inform policy and practice. Weaving Indigenous methodologies and qualitative methods, we engage 31 young Māori and Pasifika wāhine (16–25 years) from cities in Aotearoa. Our objective is to understand their (a) motivations to participate, (b) preferred activities and (c) perspectives on participation. Using thematic-analysis, we discovered they were influenced by cultural knowledges including hauora (a Māori concept of health and well-being) and whanaungatanga (building relationships). Based on our findings we suggest physical activity for young Māori and Pasifika wāhine focuses on improving mental hauora, and use group activities that include learning new skills.