Skip to main content
Tangata · NPM Researcher

Dr Acushla Dee Sciasia

<span class=Dr Acushla Dee Sciasia " loading="lazy" decoding="async">

Senior Research Officier

Dr Acushla Sciascia is of Ngāruahine Rangi, Ngāti Ruanui and Te Āti Awa descent. She completed her doctoral studies in 2013 with Massey University and since then has been working in the public sector as a research, evaluator and strategist. Dee’s research background has largely emerged from kaupapa Māori research, specifically Māori negotiating and navigating new technologies and online environments. Dee’s research interests have transitioned into the climate change space and she was a part of the National Risk Assessment Framework for Climate Change panel and is co-leading the Mātauranga ā iwi programme in the He Mounga Puia – ‘Transitioning Taranaki MBIE Endeavour-funded programme as well co-lead of the Mātauranga Māori programme for Resilience to Natures Challenges, National Science Challenge. Dee is passionate and committed to championing mātauranga Māori across disciplines, working towards the recognition of the value and mana of our knowledge system in its own right in the sciences.

Rangahau · Related projects

Whakaaweawe

23WHA15Whanake te kura i Tawhitinui – Building resilience within Māori communities
Kaiārahi · Project lead Dr Acushla Dee Sciasia
Whare wānanga · Host Massey University
Matakitenga · Framework
Wā rangahau · Timeline Added 2025

This research explores how mātauranga Māori enriches natural hazard resilience in Aotearoa by integrating Indigenous knowledge with science. It highlights Māori-led solutions that strengthen cultural identity, wellbeing, and community response to disasters. The resulting publication will be accessible and visually engaging, showcasing collaborative research…

View project

Full project

Digital Solutions to Support Knowledge and Connections
Whare wānanga · Host Massey University
Wā rangahau · Timeline Commenced 2018

This project explored how Māori and Indigenous communities used digital platforms to protect and share mātauranga, with a focus on te taiao. It investigated tikanga-based digital protocols and iwi/hapū needs, informing the development of Indigenous-led digital solutions.

View project

Kia Ārohi Kia Mārama - Scoping Excellence

He rongoā tō te reo – Te Reo Māori as a form of healing
Whare wānanga · Host Te Wānanga o Aotearoa
Wā rangahau · Timeline Commenced 2016

What are some of the psychological, emotional and spiritual influences that learners have experienced when learning te reo Māori? How are these influences related to past trauma or negative experiences of theirs (or others) and in what ways have these influences impacted their engagement with and learning of te reo Māori? What kinds of intergenerational…

View project

Ētahi atu · Other people

See all 146 Kairangahau · Researchers →