About this research
Melissa Derby (Ngāti Ranginui), University of Canterbury
The study explores literacy as a human right that is key to accessing other human rights associated with health and wellbeing, community engagement, cultural imperatives, and lifelong learning - all of which are critical to the Mauri Ora theme.
My doctoral research also has resonance with Ngā Pae o te Māramatanga’s statement about Te Reo me Ngā Tikanga Māori: The Māori Language and Protocols in that my research is seeking to gain greater understanding of the development of early literacy skills in bilingual (Te Reo Māori and English) pre-school children.
My research is in conjunction with Nōku Te Ao, which is a bilingual early childhood centre located in Christchurch, New Zealand, catering for children aged 0-5 years. The centre has two sites. The first site was opened in 2002 in response to a growing population of young children in Te Ahikaaroa Kapa Haka group.
The members of the group decided to start their own centre, which reflects their values and aspirations for their children. Nōku Te Ao places tino rangatiratanga at the heart of their centre, embedding it in their philosophy and in their teachings. My research participants include four-year old children attending Nōku Te Ao, their whānau, and the teachers in the centre. It is intended that findings of the research will be disseminated among other Māori communities, in particular my own tribal community in Tauranga.
Melissa Derby (Ngāti Ranginui), University of Canterbury
The study explores literacy as a human right that is key to accessing other human rights associated with health and wellbeing, community engagement, cultural imperatives, and lifelong learning - all of which are critical to the Mauri Ora theme.
My doctoral research also has resonance with Ngā Pae o te Māramatanga’s statement about Te Reo me Ngā Tikanga Māori: The Māori Language and Protocols in that my research is seeking to gain greater understanding of the development of early literacy skills in bilingual (Te Reo Māori and English) pre-school children.
Ētahi atu · Other projects
PHD Candidate: Coral Wiapo (Ngati Whātua) Primary Supervisor(s): Dr Sue Adams Work is underway in Te Tai Tokerau to strengthen the Māori nursing workforce by supporting kaimahi to enter the nursing profession; and registered nurses to advance their scope of practice to become nurse prescribers or nurse practitioners (NPs). Improving access to healthcare for…
View projectAhakoa he iti, he pounamu: How do wahine Māori nurses utilise mātauranga Māori as a means to address health equity in Te Tai Tokerau?
How do fat Indigenous wāhine reclaim body sovereignty as a form of resistance? This research centred on the lived experiences of fat Māori wāhine, challenging colonial and biomedical narratives through the lens of mātauranga Māori. It reclaims tino rangatiratanga and mana motuhake of the body, and reimagines access, wellbeing, and worth beyond systems of…
View projectMana Tinana, Mana Mōmona, Mana Wāhine: Ngā Pūrākau o Ngā Tinana Body Sovereignty and Fat Māori Wāhine
How do fat Indigenous wāhine reclaim body sovereignty as a form of resistance? This research centred on the lived experiences of fat Māori wāhine, challenging colonial and biomedical narratives through the lens of mātauranga Māori. It reclaims tino rangatiratanga and mana motuhake of the body, and reimagines access, wellbeing, and worth beyond systems of oppression.
What does Māori women’s leadership in governance look like when told through their own voices? This project centres wāhine rangatira experiences and mentorship to develop a mana wāhine-led model of leadership and governance—from wāhine, for wāhine.
View projectMō ngā uri whakatipu: Women leaders paving a pathway for future generations in governance
What does Māori women’s leadership in governance look like when told through their own voices? This project centres wāhine rangatira experiences and mentorship to develop a mana wāhine-led model of leadership and governance—from wāhine, for wāhine.