Summary of Research:

This research investigates what sustains whānau providing long-term care for rangatahi/young adults (aged 16–25) with enduring mental health challenges in Aotearoa New Zealand. Moving beyond deficit-focused narratives of 'burden,' it centres strengths-based inquiry into whānau resilience, knowledge, and resources. The study engages registered practitioners as key participants, drawing on their practice experience within both whānau realities and service systems. Grounded in Te Tiriti o Waitangi, the research asks: what sustains strength, and how can systems better align with it? Findings will identify relational, cultural, spiritual, and practical resources whānau mobilise, contributing to more culturally responsive, whānau-centric service design.

Social workers are uniquely positioned to contribute to this research through their holistic, strengths-based practice philosophy and relational approach to working with whānau. Also, ANZASW's commitment to Te Tiriti-based practice and bicultural competency aligns directly with the values underpinning this study. Through practitioner insights, the research seeks to generate practice-informed knowledge that supports culturally grounded, whānau-centred responses within mental health services.

Kia ora!
My name is Anne Salvador, I am a currently undertaking a small research project as part of my Master of Applied Social Work programme in the School of Social Work, Massey University. The aims of this research are:

1. To explore the relational, cultural, spiritual, and practical resources whānau mobilise.
2. To explore how practitioners understand and facilitate resilience through concepts like whakapapa and collective responsibility.
3. To generate practice-relevant evidence for more culturally grounded, whānaucentric service design.

The purpose of this information sheet is to invite you to participate in my research project.

What is this research about?
This project investigates what sustains whānau who provide long-term care for young adult with enduring mental health challenges in Aotearoa, New Zealand. Using Te Tiriti o Waitangi foundation, the research consciously refrains from clinical evaluation of whānau. Rather, it engages practitioners to understand how systems support or hinder whānau capacity.

By exploring concepts such as whakapapa and collective responsibility, the research aims to identify what truly builds strength over time. The findings are intended to contribute to a more effective dialogue, offering suggestions and strategies that are genuinely responsive to the lived experience and expertise of whānau and the professionals who walk alongside them.

Why am I being asked to take part?

You are invited to participate in this research if you meet the following criteria:

• You are a registered practitioner (e.g., social worker, occupational therapist, nurse, family/whānau advisor/navigator) currently working in Aotearoa.
• You have at least two years of direct practice experience supporting whānau and rangatahi/young adults (aged 16–25) who face enduring emotional, behavioural, or neurodevelopmental challenges that require ongoing or multi-agency support.
• You can reflect on systemic dynamics (policies, service gaps, cultural safety) from your professional vantage point.

Note: This study ethically engages practitioners who occupy a unique intersection of whānau realities and systemic structures to surface insights without further burdening vulnerable whānau. Your frontline experience is invaluable

What will I be asked to do?

It is anticipated that the interview will take approximately 45 minutes and will be recorded. The precise timing of the interview and the location will be negotiated with you. The interview will be short, simple and semi-structured and no discomfort to participants is anticipated. You may request to see the interview schedule prior to the interview if you wish.

If you agree to take part in my research project, can you please email Anne.Salvador.1@uni.massey.ac.nz before the interview.
If you have any concerns about the process of gathering the interview data, you can contact my supervisor. Contact details are provided at the end of this information sheet.

What will happen to the data?

The interview data will be used for answering my research aim, as described above. If any transcription is needed, I will do this myself, so that the data remains confidential. Data and the consent forms will be safely stored on my password protected computer while the project is being completed and will be destroyed once my research report has been examined.
No names or other identifying details of individuals or organisations will be used in the report or publications. Findings may also be used in publications arising from the research.

What rights do I have?
You are under no obligation to accept this invitation. If you decide to participate, you have the right to:

• Decline to answer any questions.
• Withdraw from the study up until data is analysed.
• Ask any questions about the study at any time during participation.
• Provide information on the understanding that your name will not be used.
• Be given access to a summary of the project findings when it is concluded.
• Ask for the recorder to be turned off at any time during the interview.

Please do not hesitate to contact either me or my supervisor at any time if you have any questions about the project. Contact details are as follows:
 

Researcher
Anne Salvador
Anne.Salvador.1@uni.massey.ac.nz 
Supervisor
Melissa Wharakura - M.Wharakura@massey.ac.nz

This project has been reviewed and approved by the Massey University Human Ethics Ohu Matatika 3, Application OM3 25/75. If you have any concerns about the conduct of this research, please contact the Chairperson, Massey University Human Ethics Ohu Matatika 3, email humanethics3@massey.ac.nz 

Thank you for considering this request.

Yours sincerely,
Anne Salvador