Who am I? What is my whakapapa?

Knowledge of one’s genetic background can have a significant impact on wellbeing and the development of self identity. For many donor conceived people self-identity is often coupled to a strong desire to have knowledge of their genealogical roots. This has added significance for Māori, as traditional Māori values conceptualise a child as not only the offspring of his/her biological parents, but of the whānau, hapū and iwi.  The concept of whakapapa (descent/genetic lineage) not only determines individual status, but also formalizes relationships with others similarly linked to a common ancestor, and contributes to establishing a cultural identity and heritage.

“People who know both of their biological parents find it hard to grasp
the enormity of what I am missing.  Simply having information about the sort of people they are, and what things they are capable of doing, creates a baseline that you don’t realize is comforting unless you have to live without it.”

Rebecca Hamilton,

Behind Closed Doors: Moving Beyond Secrecy and Shame

With the passing of the HART Act in 2004, registration of the identity of donors who donate their eggs, sperm or embryos became mandatory, thus enabling donor-conceived people in Aotearoa New Zealand to access identifying information about their donor when they reach the age of 18.

The Donor Identity in Aotearoa New Zealand (DIANZ) Study is a collaborative research project led by the University of Auckland. By doing this research the DIANZ research group aim to identify what support may be required for all parties affected by donor conception when families are created using donor gametes (egg, sperm and embryo donation).

The DIANZ Study is a mixed methods study, beginning with the development of a survey of parents of children born through clinic-assisted donation programmes. Following the survey, semi-structured qualitative interviews will be conducted with donors, parents of donor conceived people, and donor conceived people over the age of 18.