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Rangahau · Doctoral thesis

Utilising Mātauranga to Guide Biomedical Research

About this research

PhD Candidate: Mana Mitchell (Ngāti Maniapoto)

Primary Supervisor(s): Dr Esther Willing

Rapid developments in the fields of intergenerational trauma and Indigenous health worldwide have posed novel ethical challenges and philosophical threats to indigenous communities. This, alongside an existing need to further support and protect Māori researchers, participants and academics, means that a more comprehensive understanding of Kaupapa Māori methodologies and ethical strategies has become increasingly necessary.

By analysing a number of Māori primary sources such as mōteatea (poetic songs, often laments), whakataukī (aphorisms), whakatauākī (proverbialised quotations), I will indentify a number of central tenets that underlie Māori philosophies. This will be further developed by interviews with tohunga (experts in the Māori world), kaiako (teachers) and kairangahau Māori (Māori researchers), to provide a depth of knowledge to the analysis. Finally, I will compare and contrast with existing ethical theories, to guide future investigations in intergenerational trauma and Indigenous health research.

This research draws on mōteatea, whakataukī, and insights from Māori experts to illuminate the ethical foundations of Kaupapa Māori methodologies. By mapping these principles against Western theories, it guides culturally safe approaches for intergenerational trauma and Indigenous health research.

Ētahi atu · Other projects

Internship project

21-22INTNP1He Tohu Maumahara ki a Paora Mato
Whare wānanga · Host University of Waikato
Matakitenga · Framework
Wā rangahau · Timeline Commenced 2021 · Completed 2022

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.

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Internship project

21-22INT07Te Au Roa – Predator sound lure trial: Draw possums out of those difficult to reach places on Taranaki Mounga
Matakitenga · Framework
Wā rangahau · Timeline Commenced 2021 · Completed 2022

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.

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Internship project

21-22INT03Tūrou Hawaiki: Morning karakia and waiata as a culturally responsive pedagogy
Whare wānanga · Host University of Canterbury
Matakitenga · Framework
Wā rangahau · Timeline Commenced 2021 · Completed 2022

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.

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