Pae Auaha

Project lead: Associate Professor Byron Rangiwai (Ngāti Manawa, Ngāti Whare, Ngāi Tūhoe, Ngāti Porou), Unitec Institute of Technology | Te Whare Wānanga o Wairaka

This foundational phase of He Ara Mārama establishes the kaupapa, relationships, and credibility required to guide a multi-phase research programme focused on ADHD in Māori adulthood. ADHD remains significantly under-researched among Māori, particularly beyond childhood (Rangiwai, 2024; Tipene, 2023).

Project lead: Dr Ani Kainamu Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Kahu ki Whangaroa Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research

Across Te Tai-o-Araiteuru, mana whenua must dispute the controversial issue of ‘kina barrens’; a biased view that is used to increase commercial kina quota.

Although mana whenua have intimate knowledge of their rohe moana, the current decision-making process priviledges Western science. There is little known scientific information about the stock or the impacts of fishing on the kina population within this coastline; except a questionable quota-owner led survey in Moeraki.

Ecosystem Based Management (EBM) requires Te Tiriti partnership by supporting multiple knowledge in decision-making. We aim to contribute to existing partnerships and ensure robust evidence. Utilising multiple-methods this research project draws on mātauranga of kina and associated systems as taonga.

Awardee: Deborah Heke (Nga Puhi. Te Arawa), Unitec

Funding from this Grant will contribute to activities that support the dissemination, engagement, and impact of research and creative outputs, specifically: the creation and development of a prototype augmented reality (AR) experience exhibition that shares Māori research and narratives through immersive digital storytelling.

Awardee: Morgana Vicki Watson (Taranaki, Te Atiawa, Te Atihaunui-a-Papaarangi, Ngāpuhi), University of Canterbury

This research explores how Māori Futurism can be realised through interactive media, merging traditional Māori knowledge with futuristic storytelling and technology. The project investigates the transformative potential of Māori media, where Te Reo me ngā Tikanga are integrated into the development process of, as well as within immersive, interactive worlds. It aims to create culturally authentic experiences that empower Māori and Indigenous communities by offering edutaining ways to engage with their/our culture, language, and identity.

Awardee: Deacon Fisher (Ngāpuhi (Te Parawhau, Te Uriroroi, Te Māhurehure ki Whatitiri)), Massey University

In recent years, pūrākau have been an area of research interest. This has primarily resulted in the emergence of pūrākau as a mode of therapeutic intervention. Despite this, pūrākau and their application within the social work profession are yet to be explored. In addition, whilst tikanga Māori across social services has been previously explored, tikanga ā-iwi and kawa ā-iwi have often been of secondary focus, aside from the respective research conducted by Wheturangi Walsh-Tapiata, Hayley Bell, and Tania Rickard.

In recent years, pūrākau have been an area of research interest. This has primarily resulted in the emergence of pūrākau as a mode of therapeutic intervention. Despite this, pūrākau and their application within the social work profession are yet to be explored. In addition, whilst tikanga Māori across social services has been previously explored, tikanga ā-iwi and kawa ā-iwi have often been of secondary focus, aside from the respective research conducted by Wheturangi Walsh-Tapiata, Hayley Bell, and Tania Rickard.

Awardee: Hamiora Te Momo (Ngāti Porou (Ngāti Konohi), Ngāti Raukawa (Ngāti Whakatere), University of Waikato

This doctorial study in computer science explores the design and development of a culturally grounded mobile augmented reality (MAR) system where carvings on the marae can see, recognise, and respond to users through tikanga-led interaction. Using on-device face detection with portable machine learning models, each carving retains relational awareness of individual users—including those sharing whānau devices—supporting personalised engagement without requiring internet connectivity. Users are guided through a whakapapa-based network of pouwhenua, where permission and sequence matter: deeper storytelling is unlocked only through culturally correct pathways.