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Rangahau · Doctoral thesis

Mō ngā uri whakatipu: Women leaders paving a pathway for future generations in governance

About this research

PhD Candidate: Stacey Ruru (Ngāti Haua, Ngāti Raukawa)

Primary Supervisor(s): Professor Chellie Spiller

Throughout Aotearoa there are examples of wahine rangatira in business, non-government organisations and government organisations who contribute to their whānau, iwi and hapū in governance. This project will investigate the experiences and mentorship of wāhine rangatira in New Zealand governance. The aims of the project are twofold:

1) contribute to a psychological theory, particularly Organisational Psychology, of Māori women leadership that is from a mana wāhine perspective and,

2) conceptualise a mentoring model of leadership and governance that is by wāhine for wāhine.

In response to an observed absence in these areas my research will be grounded in kaupapa Māori and mana wāhine theory. Narratives of wahine rangatira will be gathered using qualitative semi-structured interviews and photo-elicitation methods. Through this project I want to privilege wāhine perspectives in areas that are primarily considered the domain of men in order to contribute to Māori women leadership and mentorship.

What does Māori women’s leadership in governance look like when told through their own voices? This project centres wāhine rangatira experiences and mentorship to develop a mana wāhine-led model of leadership and governance—from wāhine, for wāhine.

Kairangahau · Researchers

Ētahi atu · Other projects

Full project

Promoting Effective Māori Leadership and Decision Making for Prosperous Economies of Wellbeing – Te Whakatairanga i te Ārahitanga Whai Hua me te Māori te Whakatau Kaupapa
Whare wānanga · Host Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland
Wā rangahau · Timeline Commenced 2016

What are the distinctive dimensions and drivers of innovative Māori leadership and integrated decision making, and how do these characteristics deliver pluralistic outcomes that advance transformative and prosperous Māori economies of wellbeing? A diverse range of Māori leadership practices have contributed to the development of a Māori economy with a…

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Research Programme

21-24RP01He oranga whānau: mahi ngātahi: Whānau livelihoods within the context of work and Māori economies of wellbeing
Kaiārahi · Project lead Professor Chellie Spiller
Whare wānanga · Host University of Waikato
Matakitenga · Framework
Wā rangahau · Timeline Commenced 2022 · Completed 2025

He oranga whānau: mahi ngātahi: Whānau livelihoods within the context of work and Māori economies of wellbeing. These groundbreaking works celebrate Māori futures rooted in kaupapa Māori values while fostering pathways for responsible relationships, meaningful lives, and flourishing Indigenous wellbeing economies. By emphasising the central role of whānau…

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Internship project

21-22INTNP1He Tohu Maumahara ki a Paora Mato
Whare wānanga · Host University of Waikato
Matakitenga · Framework
Wā rangahau · Timeline Commenced 2021 · Completed 2022

This internship created a 3D-printed Tekoteko trophy using a biodegradable harakeke filament to honor the memory of Dr Paora Mato. The project blends traditional Māori carving with contemporary art, sparking conversations about tikanga and cultural practice.

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