My Fathers Barbers

My Fathers Barber wānanga at Koukourārata

My Fathers Barber wānanga at Koukourārata

 

What we did

Ihi Research conducted exploratory knowledge-building research to understand how the ‘My Fathers Barbers’ wānanga provided support for the barbers who attended. The research was informed by kaupapa Māori theory, talanoa and human-centered design approaches that employed a mana enhancing approach. It leveraged off the collective ideals, contributions, collaboration and inclusiveness of ‘My Fathers Barbers’. Exploratory research is primarily used when researchers are seeking to have greater understanding of a new or existing phenomenon in order to gain new insights into it. A mixed methods approach was undertaken that utilised qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis through a two-phased approach involving semi-structured interviews and surveys

Project Background

In 2020 Ihi Research was contracted by the Ministry of Social Development to conduct an evaluation of the ‘My Fathers Barbers’ Barber Wānanga project. A partnership with The Ministry of Social Development enabled Matt and Sarah, from My Fathers Baber, to plan and deliver the three wānanga evaluated in this report. The wānanga were held at Koukourārata Marae (Port Levy) near Christchurch (March, 2019), Parewahawaha Marae in Bulls, and Oraeroa Marae Port Waikato (September, 2019).As well as teaching practical barbering skills, the wānanga had several objectives

  • Grow connection within the barber community.

  • Create a safe space where barbers could be vulnerable and openly discuss any trauma and harm affecting them and their lives.

  • Provide support to each other.

  • Participate in a number of activities to assist them to begin to heal.

  • Conduct challenging discussions regarding masculinity, the treatment of women and children.

  • Uncover and build on the strengths of the participants so they could return to their barber shops and create safe spaces in their chairs for their clients, positively affecting their community.

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Outcomes

This evaluation found the barber wānanga achieves significant impact for the barbers who attend. Primarily decolonising in nature, the wānanga encourages men to reclaim a new traditional, indigenous approach to masculinity and collective care. By demonstrating vulnerability, compassion and acceptance, Matt and Sarah Brown and their highly skilled team create a safe environment where the barbers can openly share their trauma. During the wānanga connection, cohesion, compassion, acceptance and support provides a pathway to healing.

The healing and learning experienced by the barbers leads to a range of behavioural changes. The changes highlighted by barbers are supported by the views of whānau and friends who reinforce the view that positive changes have occurred. Making positive changes in their own lives, in particular in their relationships, enables the barbers to replicate the safe space they experienced in the wānanga. This enables them to have a positive influence with the clients who sit in their chairs.

Reclaiming a new way of being based on traditional indigenous masculinity and models of collective care requires on-going support. A number of opportunities have been identified for consideration that have the potential to grow and develop the kaupapa, increasing its influence and impact.

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I don’t think I’ve ever seen, not once in my life, have I seen so much camaraderie between however many men were in the room that didn’t even know each other. Over four days of doing this deep, real deep stuff, everyone left like they were brothers.
— Barber

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