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Rangahau · Research Programme

Te Pae Tawhiti: Māori economic development

About this research

This significant research programme was led by Distinguished Professor Graham Hingangaroa Smith of Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi, who partnered with four participating iwi – Ngāti Awa, Ngāti Kahungunu, Te Whānau-ā-Apanui and Ngāpuhi and brought their values, insights and aspirations to the project.

Te Pae Tawhiti (“the distant horizon”) is one of NPM’s larger research programmes embedded in communities. This economic development research programme followed the start of Te Pae Tawhiti: Te Reo Māori in 2010 (Te Kura Roa) a three-year research initiative exploring the models to enhance language revitalization, identify barriers to use and the value of Māori language on New Zealand economy, culture and society.

Over three years, Te Pae Tawhiti: Māori Economic Development aimed to establish a Māori economic development framework using collaboration, investigation and engagement as a catalyst for change and economic growth. Informed by Mātauranga Māori (Māori knowledge) the programme sought to support the wellbeing of future generations, and the environment, of Aotearoa. The research and its outputs inform policy and development at local and national levels.

Researchers from NPM partnered with Whakatane-based Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Awa and Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi, and three Iwi.  Distinguished Professor Graham Smith, says the collaboration brings a range of strengths to the programme.

View a copy of the final report - He Mangōpare Amohia - below.

Led by Distinguished Professor Graham Smith, this iwi-partnered research programme explored Māori-led economic development grounded in mātauranga Māori. Working with Ngāti Awa, Ngāti Kahungunu, Te Whānau-ā-Apanui and Ngāpuhi, the project developed a framework to support intergenerational wellbeing and guide future policy and practice.

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