Cultural identity, leadership and well-being: how indigenous storytelling contributed to well-being in a New Zealand provincial rugby team.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the article was to explore the application and interpretation of indigenous stories introduced in 2015-2017 in relation to the identity and leadership (well-being elements) of players and coaches of a men's provincial rugby team in Aotearoa/New Zealand (NZ). STUDY DESIGN: The study utilised a Kaupapa Maori case study approach and indigenous forms of storytelling (purakau, whakatauki) to encourage participants to share their narratives and experiences of how the inclusion of Maori knowledge in a team context influenced their sense of identity and leadership and thus well-being on and off the field. METHODS: Semi-structured, one-on-one, interviews alongside focus group discussions generated the data (narratives) collected. Data were thematically analysed, utilising aspects of an indigenous model of Health Promotion known as Te Pae Mahutonga. Specifically, the cultural identity affirmation (Mauri Ora) and leadership (Nga Manukura) elements were illustrated as these were applicable to high performance sport contexts. RESULTS: Analysis revealed that the team narrative, values and expectations were enhanced by embracing Maori stories (purakau) and symbols. In particular, this enhanced the cultural identity, sense of belonging, leadership and well-being of a number of team members on and off-field. Neither the players nor coaches disclosed any negative impacts to their well-being from incorporating indigenous storytelling (purakau, whakatauki) into their team building practices and culture. CONCLUSIONS: Sport-related research and practices that are informed by indigenous knowledge and values can benefit the well-being of indigenous people (in this case Maori), collectives (rugby team) and individuals (researchers, players and coaches). Further research exploring how indigenous knowledge is integrated into sport-related contexts is needed to understand whether the well-being of a wider range of teams and individuals (women, non-indigenous) may benefit from the inclusion of indigenous knowledge, values and practices.

Stress, Emotions, and Motivational States Among Traditional Dancers in New Zealand and Japan.

This study used a reversal theory framework to examine motivational dominance and changes in motivational state, arousal, stress, and emotions among members of traditional Japanese (Nihon Odori Sports Science (NOSS)) and New Zealand (Kapa Haka) dance groups. Eighty-four participants (50 in Japan and 34 in New Zealand) completed questionnaires on each variable before and after a dance class. The findings indicated that the Kapa Haka dancers were significantly more playful and arousal-seeking than the NOSS dancers. They also reported higher overall arousal, preferred arousal, and effort during performance while the NOSS dancers became more serious afterward. Data on emotions matched those of arousal in that the Kapa Haka dancers felt significantly more excited and provocative after the session. The NOSS dancers were more relaxed and placid, both overall and after dancing. These patterns were consistent with the dancers' respective motivational states and motivational dominance, and suggest that both dances can be effective in reducing negative affect. They also suggest that psychological effects are dependent upon performers' personal and cultural affiliation with the two dance forms.