A kaumÃÂtua is a respected tribal elder in a MÃÂori community who has been involved with their whÃÂnau for a number of years. They are appointed by their people who believe the chosen elders have the capacity to teach and guide both current and future generations. KaumÃÂtua have good knowledge of MÃÂori tikanga, language and history; and their contribution ensures that the mana of the whÃÂnau, hapà « and iwi are maintained. Barlow (1994) refers to kaumÃÂtua as being the "keepers of knowledge and traditions of the family, sub-tribe and tribe". Although the term ' is widely used to refer to all elders, male kaumÃÂtua are more correctly called or ', and female elders are called '.
The word comes from ', meaning alone, without or none, and ', meaning parents; thus, ' literally means "no parents" and reflects how the parents of older generations have passed on.
KaumÃÂtua never self-proclaim their elder status, as the rules of mana prohibit this; instead the people acknowledge an elder's status as kaumÃÂtua. KaumÃÂtua comport themselves with humility, honesty, and integrity, and typically possess deep knowledge of a particular subject such as whakapapa or tikanga, and know people who have expertise in other fields.
In the past, kaumÃÂtua were believed to be "the reincarnation of a person who had acquired a supernatural or godly status after death, and who had become the protector of the family". These supernatural powers allowed the reincarnated spirits to return to earth to provide influential guidance to the remaining family. It was believed that these powers allowed the kaumÃÂtua transform themselves into birds, fish and insects. Elders of the tribe made reference to these transformed states when predicting the future and fortunes of the tribe. Additionally, along with leadership and guidance of family and marae, many kaumÃÂtua exert a protective influence over the seas, rivers, lands and forests.
KaumÃÂtua are essential to any MÃÂori community as well as health organisations which have affiliations with MÃÂori. This includes kaimatai hinengaro (clinical psychologists), especially if they treat MÃÂori clients or carry out health research on MÃÂori participants. KaumÃÂtua that are involved in health organisations play a pivotal role in guiding kaimatai hinengaro, similar to their role in the MÃÂori community.
Whilst the importance of kaumÃÂtua guidance has been predominantly acknowledged by MÃÂori, greater awareness in non-MÃÂori circles is beginning to acknowledge their knowledge bases as well. Non-MÃÂori kaimatai hinengaro treating MÃÂori clients or carrying out medical research on MÃÂori are realizing the benefits of working under the guidance of kaumÃÂtua. For kaimatai hinengaro carrying out health research on MÃÂori, kaumÃÂtua of local iwi can be contacted through Te Puni KÃ Âkiri. The offices of Te Puni KÃ Âkiri employ MÃÂori liaison authorities who maintain a "register of local iwi contact people". Once contact is made, research objectives and outcomes are discussed with kaumÃÂtua and other tribal elders. Key contact individuals are appointed for both research and iwi sides. While the contact person for the research may be the kaimatai hinengaro, kaumÃÂtua usually represent the iwi and provide feedback on satisfaction with research methods and treatment of MÃÂori participants.