Research Programmes

Universities in Aotearoa hold a vast, largely unmapped, collection of Māori data. With that, these institutions are in positions of power to control the ways in which Māori data is collected, stored, accessed and used, often without meaningful involvement from Māori communities. Organised across three objectives, this project explores how Māori data governance can be strengthened within academic policy and institutional contexts in ways which give effect to Māori Data Sovereignty for Māori hāpori, hapū and iwi.

The first objective investigates the potential for Machine Learning to identify and locate Māori research data held within universities.

Objective two examines existing approaches to Māori data governance within a university context and identifies opportunities to bring institutional policies and practices into alignment with Te Kāhui Raraunga's Māori Data Governance Model.

The third objective focuses on the relationships between Māori rightsholders and their data, exploring how Māori aspirations for MDSov can be at the centre of all decision-making.

Kia tōnui te reo Māori: Prosperous whānau, prosperous reo Māori, examines the

conditions that support the growth, use, and intergenerational transmission of te reo Māori across whānau and communities in Aotearoa. The project focuses on four interconnected areas: te reo o te kāinga-Māori language use in the home, the role of social and community relationships, effective language acquisition processes, and the development of practical resources to support reo Māori revitalisation.

Preliminary findings highlight that te reo o te kāinga, me te reo o te hapori is strongly influenced by a combination of factors. These include supportive whānau environments, access to Kaupapa-Māori education (an aspect highly limited in some hapori), strong social networks where te reo is normalised (including kaupapa that bring whānau with shared interests together), and opportunities to use the language in meaningful, low-pressure contexts. Our research also reinforces the importance of addressing broader structural conditions, such as economic stability, time availability, and experiences of racism, all of which continue to have an impact on prospective reo learners, active learners, and users of te reo.

Our early findings indicate that te reo tuku iho is most possible when whānau are supported not only with language learning tools, but also with strategies that strengthen relationships, reduce anxiety, and create sustainable language practices in everyday life. We also note the importance of friendships in helping to sustain te reo across contexts.

Since the arrival of visitors to Aotearoa, Māori have always been quick to assess and adapt language, technology and information. Contemporary society brings new languages, technology and information instantly to our fingertips. New pressures and demands can be a consequence of readily accessible knowledge. For all its advances, there are also disadvantages. For rangatahi, those with addictions and Māori whānau connections and wellbeing can be negatively affected.

This programme of research investigates examples of Māori approaches to social wellbeing. Through a series of research activities undertaken by the research team, a case study will emerge reflective of collaborative interactions with key stakeholder organisations. Utilising qualitative methods such as key informant, wānanga, hui, photo elicitation and go along interviews, the research is primed to capitalise on the collaborative relationships to affect national policy and regional service delivery.

Māori doctoral scholars often face significant challenges in universities dominated by Western academic traditions. These environments can clash with Māori cultural values and needs, reflecting colonial legacies that marginalise Indigenous knowledge and methodologies. To address these challenges, the Te Kupenga o MAI (MAI) programme was created in the late 1990s by Professor Graham Smith. This initiative supports Māori and Indigenous PhD students across Aotearoa New Zealand, providing mentorship, resources, and community connections grounded in Māori cultural values. MAI helps reduce isolation and creates culturally safe spaces for Māori scholars to succeed academically while maintaining their cultural identity.

This research focuses on understanding the long-term impact of the MAI programme by examining the experiences of recent Māori PhD graduates. It aims to explore their motivations, challenges, and the role MAI played in supporting them, as well as their career pathways and contributions to their communities after completing their studies. The findings will inform future efforts to support Māori doctoral scholars, ensuring they thrive in academia and contribute meaningfully to their whānau, hapū, iwi, and society.

This nationwide research programme set out to deepen our understanding of the experiences, challenges, and contributions of Māori PhD graduates across Aotearoa. By tracing the post-graduation journeys of nearly 800 Māori doctoral scholars, the study aimed to highlight their intellectual, cultural, social and economic impact—within whānau, hapū, iwi and beyond.

Although the programme has since been disestablished, its kaupapa remains vital: to inform new models of Māori leadership and participation across academia, government, iwi development, and civil society.

Reimagining our cities through Indigenous knowledge, identity, and environmental care.

Today, over 85% of Māori live in urban environments across Aotearoa. These modern kāinga (settlements) are more than places to live—they’re reflections of identity, connection to whenua, and intergenerational ingenuity. Yet, many Māori have been relegated to the margins of city spaces, facing spatial injustices that continue to impact wellbeing.

Toitū he Kāinga explores how Māori are reclaiming, revitalising, and reshaping urban landscapes—building sustainable futures through mahi toitū (Māori-led environmental care), identity, and rangatiratanga.