A researcher finding out why professional Maori quit their jobs hopes her study will encourage employers to foster Maori values in their respective workplaces.
Raiha Hooker Photo: Supplied
Raiha Hooker, of Nga Ruahinerangi descent, is carrying out an online survey on whether whanaungatanga (a sense of belonging) is important for Maori where they work.
Ms Hooker said although some organisations, both Maori and non-Maori, include cultural awareness and Treaty of Waitangi principles as part of what they do, she wants to find out if those things are being practised in a meaningful way by everyone.
Often there is a perception that organisations may use Te Reo as a way of stating their values and vision, she said, but that needs to genuinely be understood by all staff - including management.
Ms Hooker said employers need to start demonstrating that tikanga Maori values are firmly part of their business and how they operate.
Preliminary results should be available in February next year, she said.