He Kahu Kōrero – Cloaks that speak

About this research

Project Summary

He Kahu Kōrero – Cloaks that Speak is visualised as an accessible scholarly book. 

The book will begin by introducing important maternal elements of whatu kākahu (traditionally woven cloaks) theorised in the lead researchers PhD and introduces Whatuora as a Kaupapa Māori, Mana Wāhine methodology drawing on mātauranga whatu as a toi Māori pedagogy and research methodology. 

Six Māori women and their whānau will be showcased through their pūrākau of learning whatu. Each pūrākau will have accompanying professional photography of the women’s hands at work and the storied kākahu they create for their whānau. The book’s intended audience includes those interested in toi Māori, Māori arts-based methodologies, wāhine Māori, Kaupapa Māori and Mana Wāhine methodologies, whānau hauora.

Lead Researcher

Dr Hinekura Smith, Te Rarawa, Ngā Puhi, Unitec Institute of Technology