About this research
PhD Researcher: Symon Palmer (Ngāi Te Rangi) (UoC)
Primary supervisors: Professor Carl Mika (UoC)
Project summary:
Simon’s research is concerned with the imposition of Western thought on Māori which has displaced our ways of knowing and being. Colonisation is most visible in the political and biophysical spheres, however, less apparent is the damage to the less tangible – a Māori metaphysics – which underpins relation to the world, and importantly, our ways of existing. Te Ao Māori concepts like Papatūānuku and Ranginui, wairua, mauri, and mātauranga stem from a notion of Māori metaphysics. Western knowledge systems have taken precedent in society due to colonisation; the ‘man over nature’ view has led to extractive practices and environmental degradation, minimising Māori thought. Western philosophy has imparted a dominant metaphysics that distorts Māori being; academic theory has limited conception of non-Western realities. Crucial to addressing this problem will be the advancement of Māori philosophical theory by Māori researchers. Simon’s thesis contributes to this growing field by developing a Māori theory of ‘fragmentation’, meaning, the displacement of Māori thought caused by the imposition of Western thinking. To achieve this, Simon outlines fragmentary tendencies through an institutional critique of valid knowledges and speculate on the assumed Western ‘metaphysical pillars’: the self, world, and God, to champion Māori metaphysics.
Simon’s research is concerned with the imposition of Western thought on Māori which has displaced our ways of knowing and being. Colonisation is most visible in the political and biophysical spheres, however, less apparent is the damage to the less tangible – a Māori metaphysics – which underpins relation to the world, and importantly, our ways of existing.
Ētahi atu · Other projects
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.
View projectHe Tohu Maumahara ki a Paora Mato
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.
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.
View projectTe Au Roa – Predator sound lure trial: Draw possums out of those difficult to reach places on Taranaki Mounga
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.
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.
View projectTūrou Hawaiki: Morning karakia and waiata as a culturally responsive pedagogy
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.