About this research
Awatea Waimārie Moxon (Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Pāhauwera, Ngāi Tahu), Te Herenga Waka Victoria University
My research explores the relationship between wellbeing and whakapapa knowledge (Māori history, genealogy and creation stories).
My PhD extends my previous research, which became the first to empirically illustrate the correlation between whakapapa knowledge and mental wellbeing over time (8 years). The present research employs a mixed-methods approach to further elucidate how and to what extent whakapapa knowledge contributes to wellbeing.
Study 1 of my PhD is a qualitative study, which consults expert genealogists known as Mātanga whakapapa to explore the influence of expert whakapapa knowledge on wellbeing; Study 2 further investigates how whakapapa knowledge influences wellbeing through the lived experience of Moko Kanohi (those with traditional facial tāmoko) and; Study 3, quantitatively surveys the influence of increased whakapapa knowledge on Māori wellbeing through engagement with an immersive whakapapa-based Pūrākau (Māori creation stories) course.
Together, this PhD provides robust evidence that whakapapa knowledge is not only a cultural pillar and treasure of te ao Māori, but also a valuable source of strength and empowerment. By demonstrating the power and utility of whakapapa knowledge to promote mental health, this research highlights a uniquely Māori pathway to wellbeing—one that can inform future approaches in health, education, and community development across Aotearoa.
Ētahi atu · Other projects
This internship created a 3D-printed Tekoteko trophy using a biodegradable harakeke filament to honor the memory of Dr Paora Mato. The project blends traditional Māori carving with contemporary art, sparking conversations about tikanga and cultural practice.
View projectHe Tohu Maumahara ki a Paora Mato
This internship created a 3D-printed Tekoteko trophy using a biodegradable harakeke filament to honor the memory of Dr Paora Mato.
The project blends traditional Māori carving with contemporary art, sparking conversations about tikanga and cultural practice.
This project trialled a bush-ready acoustic sound lure, co-developed with Auroa School students, to help draw out remaining possums from hard-to-reach areas of the Kaitake ranges. Supporting Taranaki Mounga Project and DOC’s pest eradication goals, this innovative tech aims to improve efficiency, reduce risk, and protect precious biodiversity.
View projectTe Au Roa – Predator sound lure trial: Draw possums out of those difficult to reach places on Taranaki Mounga
This project trialled a bush-ready acoustic sound lure, co-developed with Auroa School students, to help draw out remaining possums from hard-to-reach areas of the Kaitake ranges.
Supporting Taranaki Mounga Project and DOC’s pest eradication goals, this innovative tech aims to improve efficiency, reduce risk, and protect precious biodiversity.
This internship explored the wellbeing benefits of daily karakia and waiata at the University of Canterbury, highlighting their role in fostering cultural connection and belonging. Using a braided rivers methodology, the project captured staff and student experiences of these powerful tikanga Māori practices.
View projectTūrou Hawaiki: Morning karakia and waiata as a culturally responsive pedagogy
This internship explored the wellbeing benefits of daily karakia and waiata at the University of Canterbury, highlighting their role in fostering cultural connection and belonging.
Using a braided rivers methodology, the project captured staff and student experiences of these powerful tikanga Māori practices.