Māori researchers have created exciting ways to approach and carry out research over the past 25 years. Early new research methods were underpinned by Māori cosmology and mātauranga, and these approaches are still in use today. However, Māori researchers continue to redefine methodological spaces, and the overarching concept of mātauranga Māori is often supported by methods specific to hapū knowledge. Within this framework, researchers have developed approaches to work appropriately and engage effectively with Māori communities. These methodologies are underpinned by ethics and procedures that ensure participants are well informed and supported throughout the process, until after the research is completed. These are Māori research methodologies by Māori, for Māori.

Ngā Pae o te Māramatanga researchers have made significant contributions to the creation of research methodologies over the past ten years. The 2012 Horizon of Insight seminar series will showcase some examples, and we start the series with a discussion panel.

In this opening seminar, Dr Mere Kēpa (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Whātua, Ngāi Tuhoe) from The University of Auckland, and Dr Cherryl Smith (Ngāti Apa, Whanganui, Te Aitanga a Hauiti, Ngāi Tūmapuhiārangi) and Dr Paul Reynolds (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Whanganui) from Te Atawhai o te Ao will discuss methodologies and ethical practice in the context of their experiences.