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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.

Ētahi atu · Other projects

Internship project

He Tohu Maumahara ki a Paora Mato
Whare wānanga · Host University of Waikato
Matakitenga · Framework
Wā rangahau · Timeline 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.

Internship project

Te Au Roa – Predator sound lure trial: Draw possums out of those difficult to reach places on Taranaki Mounga
Matakitenga · Framework
Wā rangahau · Timeline Completed 2022

This project trialled a bush-ready acoustic sound lure, co-developed with Auroa School students, to help draw out remaining possums from hard-to-reach areas of the Kaitake ranges. Supporting Taranaki Mounga Project and DOC’s pest eradication goals, this innovative tech aims to improve efficiency, reduce risk, and protect precious biodiversity.

Internship project

Tūrou Hawaiki: Morning karakia and waiata as a culturally responsive pedagogy
Whare wānanga · Host University of Canterbury
Matakitenga · Framework
Wā rangahau · Timeline Completed 2022

This internship explored the wellbeing benefits of daily karakia and waiata at the University of Canterbury, highlighting their role in fostering cultural connection and belonging. Using a braided rivers methodology, the project captured staff and student experiences of these powerful tikanga Māori practices.