Combatting bias in schools: A Kaupapa Māori study into students’ experiences of racism by Māori, with Māori, for the benefit of Māori
About this research
Project Summary
Teachers are increasingly tasked with acknowledging their racial biases and the resulting impacts on their students’ learning and wellbeing. However, anti-bias trainings are typically generalised learning experiences with little effect. Through focus groups with Māori students in Northland schools, this project identified common incidents of racism.
The initial project objective was to shine a light on Māori students’ experiences of racism in Aotearoa schools; longer-term, the study findings were to inform the creation of a virtual reality intervention in which teachers embody students’ perspectives in order to surface and change teachers’ deep-seated racism.
By researching the experiences of Māori students by Māori researchers, using Māori methodologies, and for the benefit of Māori and all we sought to centre students’ experiences to ultimately improve schooling outcomes and experiences, both social and academic. Student voices can act as a lever for change by confronting teachers’ beliefs and behaviours.
Research Questions
- In what ways do Māori students experience racism in Aotearoa schools?
- How can these experiences inform the creation of a virtual reality intervention to combat teacher beliefs and behaviours?
Lead Researcher
Dr Maia Hetaraka, Ngāti Wai, Ngāi Tahu, Ngā Puhi, Ngāti Paoa, Te Papa Ako o te Tai Tokerau
Research Team
Dr Jo Smith , University of Auckland
Dr Frauke Meyer, University of Auckland
Prof Christine Rubie-Davies , University of Auckland
Assoc Prof Heather Came-Friar, Pākehā, Auckland University of Technology
Justice-Te Amorangi Hetaraka, Ngāti Wai, Ngāi Tahu, Ngā Puhi, University of Auckland
Highlights
- Open hui in July 2022 to introduce the project to the community
- Multiple engagements with local high schools and kāhui kaumātua
- Recruitment hui in December 2022
- Wānanga-based data collection and co-analysis with participants
- Final consultation in May 2024 to confirm the poetic representations of findings
- Around 20 collaboratively produced creative works emerged from the study
- Writing retreats for the PI and research assistant ensured a deeply collaborative process
Despite growing calls for anti-racism in education, many interventions fall short of meaningful impact. This kaupapa Māori project listened directly to Māori students in Northland to document their lived experiences of racism in schools. These insights are now laying the groundwork for an innovative intervention: a virtual reality (VR) simulation that allows teachers to experience the classroom from the student’s perspective. The ultimate aim? To shift beliefs, behaviours, and institutional norms — creating culturally safe learning spaces where Māori can thrive.