Doctoral thesis

Paul Tamataatoi Brown (Waikato, Ngaati Hikairo), University of Waikato I am currently at the final stages of writing up the thesis. The submission deadline for the thesis is 31st May 2018, which we are currently on target for. We plan to disseminate our research through two separate journal papers. The first paper is titled “Improving grid-based Bayesian…

Keri Milne-Ihimaera (Ngāi Tahu), Te Whare Wānanga o AwanuiarangiMy doctoral research explored the story of Moerewa School and the statutory intervention of a Commissioner in 2012, during the time I was principal of the school. It asked how the school supported the community’s dream for a relevant, “cradle to the grave”, education for their children, “as…

This research explored how mahinga toi—through process, theory, and creative output—supported whānau, hapū, and iwi oranga and mana motuhake. Grounded in Te Whānau a Apanui, it developed a tukunga iho methodology that extended pūrākau into creative practice, recognising toi as both healer and knowledge system.

Chanel Phillips (Ngāti Hine, Ngāpuhi), University of Otago There is very little published research that examines why Māori have high rates of drowning despite a cultural connection to water, and fewer literature that examines water safety specifically from a Māori perspective. The significance of this work is in addressing this gap in the literature and…

Jordan Aria Housiaux (Te Ati Awa ki Whakarongotai, Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāti Toa), Massey University This doctoral project clearly sits within the Ngā Pae o Māramatanga Research Theme: Te Tai Ao. Specifically, this research was established to develop a solution to the disarray often associated with whale stranding events. Unmethodical management and handling…

Jovan James Mokaraka-Harris (Ngapuhi, Te Rarawa & Ngati Wai), University of Otago This study will explore the physical/ecological relationship hapū have with their ancestral landscape. New horizons will be sought as the study will seek to merge indigenous ecological knowledges with physical geography subdisciplines to produce a new understanding as to how…

Zak Waipara (Ngati Porou, Rongowhakaata, Ngati Ruapani, Ngati Kahungnu), Auckland University of Technology All pūrākau are concerned with how to make sense of our world and ourselves, especially so for indigenous people, because so much has been lost that our stories can be a beacon to find our way home again. “Genuine folklore has been created to teach and…

Helen Pearse-Otene (Ngāpuhi-Ngāti Kurī; Rongomaiwahine-Ngāti Kahungunu; Ngāti Pahawauwera; Ngāti Ruanui; Ngāti Pākehā), Massey University The project is a partnership based on already existing relations between participants from academia, the performing arts, and hard to reach communities that connect through a women’s support group. This research whānau…

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…

Tui Moana Matelau (Ngapuhi, Ngatikahi ki Whangaroa), Auckland University of Technology As a lecturer who works in foundation and bridging education, I see the way that identity impacts on students’ ability to flourish in the tertiary education system. Tertiary institutions attempt to enhance the success of priority groups such as Maori and Pacific students

Lynley Uerata (Ngati Mahuta, Ngati Tahinga), University of Waikato The proposed research will explore the precarious realities of eight Māori households and their culturally-patterned responses to socio-economic marginalisation. The Māori precariat are a growing social class whose lives are rendered precarious by flexible and unstable employment, unliveable…

Tracey Takuira (Te Arawa, Matātua, Ngāpuhi, Tainui), Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi Whakatane Taonga species or customary materials such as Kuta/Paopao (Eleocharis sphacelata), Harakeke (Phormium tenax,), Pīngao (Desmoschoenus spiralis), Tī Kōuka (Cordyline australis), Raupō (Typha orientalis), Toetoe (Cortaderia spp.), (Scheele, 2010a, Herbert, &…