#Language used in Taonga Tuku Iho
A key focus of Taonga Tuku Iho is to support the vision of the Carosika Collaborative ‘Equity in preterm birth outcomes will be achieved in Aotearoa by lowering preterm birth rates and optimising preterm birth care’. We recognise that a best practice guide alone will not overcome all drivers of the unjust and unfair differences experienced across Aotearoa. However, more consistent and high-quality care provided to all, whoever they are and wherever they live, and in a way that meets their needs, will make a significant difference.
With this in mind, Taonga Tuku Iho includes some direct recommendations that support specific groups and geographical regions. Furthermore, we believe the perspective and language used within Taonga Tuku Iho is important to support equitable change. We have taken an approach to honour Te Tiriti o Waitangi and use positive framing with inclusive language, aiming to respectfully acknowledge diversity and difference and promote inclusion and participation of all within preterm birth care.
Throughout Taonga Tuku Iho we have integrated commonly used te reo Māori words and phrases without English translation. This includes for women, mothers, babies and families. Where we refer specifically to Māori pregnant women/people, babies and families/extended families this is explicitly noted e.g. whānau Māori. Based on best practice guidance for inclusivity we have used additive language which recognises that some pregnant and birthing people are transgender and gender diverse. 1
For example, wāhine/people – is used inclusively to refer to pregnant/birthing/postnatal women and pregnant/birthing/postnatal transgender and other gender diverse people. It includes all ethnic groups. It is used interchangeably with māmā/people throughout Taonga Tuku Iho.
English words for women and babies without additive language have only been used when referring directly to published literature and we have used the same language as in those studies.
See Terms and definitions for description of terms used throughout Taonga Tuku Iho.
This approach to our language used has been reviewed, revised and supported through consultation with Māori and members of the Rainbow Community. It is endorsed by the Carosika Collaborative Steering Group and will be used more broadly across the mahi of the Collaborative.
Reference:
1 Parker G, Miller S, Baddock S, Veale J, Ker A, Kerekere E. (2023). Warming the Whare for trans people and whānau in perinatal care. Otago Polytechnic Press. https://doi.org/10.34074/rsrp.230727
#Terms and definitions
To be published.