HARATUA | MAY 2023

This month was one of celebration, with the announcement of increased funding for Te Mataini in Budget 2023 and several prestigious awards going to wāhine across our networks. 

The NPM whānau were thrilled to see the government commit $34 million over two years to Te Matatini, up from just $2.9 million a year. It was a long-awaited and much-needed boost to a kaupapa that for decades has had a profound impact on whānau and communities, extending far beyond the biennial showcase event. NPM was proud to partner with Te Matatini and other research partners to produce the report The Value of Kapa Haka last year, along with a widely-viewed webinar. 

The month also brought good news for our rangahau whānau. One of our inaugural NPM co-directors, Distinguished Professor Linda Tuhiwai Smith, was extended the rare privilege of being elected a lifetime international member of the United States National Academy of Sciences. The accolade recognises Linda’s transformative contributions to education and Indigenous Science methodologies. Her 1999 book, Decolonizing Methodologies, is a must-have for any scholar undertaking research involving Indigenous communities and knowledge.

The scholarly excellence of Professor Alice Te Punga Sommerville was also recognised with her book Always Italicise: How to Write While Colonised winning the Mary and Peter Biggs Award for Poetry at the 2023 Ockham Book Awards.

Kei runga noa atu kōrua!

Our NPM team also ended the month on a high note with our hui-ā-tau at Te Whare Wānanga o Waikato, where we were treated to a stunning performance by Māori Music finalist and taonga puoro band IA. Representatives from many of our 22 partner organisations, Te Tira Takimano, gathered to discuss what was front of mind in their own contexts and to reflect on how NPM can continue to add value. The challenges and opportunities afforded by RSI sector reform generated lively discussion and there is real excitement about the possibilities for iwi and hapū-led research in coming years. 
Watch this space!

Ngā Pou Matarua | Co-Directors

• Professor Tahu Kukutai

• Professor Linda Waimarie Nikora