Internship project

InternKeely Ranga, University of OtagoSupervisorDr Jade Tamatea, Waipapa Taumata Rau; The University of AucklandOverviewTōku Ara OraNGA – TAONGA was a Māori-led, multi-stage research project, with an almost entirely Māori research team. The project explored the development of a Kaupapa Māori-informed co-design of outpatient care for thyrotoxicosis, aiming…

This summer internship project researched how Auckland Museum could support Tiaki Taonga through museum practices, using Āta Tiaki Taonga Tuku Iho as an example framework.

This research supported Te Whakatōhea's vision of mana Māori motuhake through a focus on kai sovereignty and climate resilience. The intern gathered and analysed mōteatea recordings relating to kai, contributing to the iwi’s Tohe Ora Wānanga Whenua programme. The project informed efforts to reconnect whānau with their whenua and promote maara kai for…

This project created “Te Proton Poi” — a waiata integrating mātauranga Māori with quantum physics to support community engagement with advanced health technologies. Inspired by MRI concepts and kapa haka, the project highlights how culturally grounded approaches can bridge science and te ao Māori to empower whānau.

This Kaupapa Māori literature review examined how cannabis and methamphetamine use is discussed in Aotearoa, with a focus on Māori experiences and implications for health and justice responses. The research, part of a wider postdoctoral project, informed a journal article.

This internship explored how tikanga Māori and Te Tiriti o Waitangi are transforming Aotearoa’s legal landscape through case law and legislation. Guided by Associate Professor Linda Te Aho, interns gained hands-on research experience and contributed to a wider kaupapa on iwi-led legal and historical narratives.

Through the 2022/2023 Borrin Foundation – Ngā Pae o te Māramatanga Legal Research Internship, two Māori students explored the growing recognition of tikanga Māori and Te Tiriti o Waitangi within New Zealand law and policy. Guided by Associate Professor Linda Te Aho and Te Hunga Rōia Māori, the interns delved into case law, legislation, and iwi knowledge to…

Bridging marine science and Mātauranga Māori, this internship helped develop learning resources for Cawthron Institute’s aquaculture and freshwater programmes—strengthening research through Indigenous knowledge.

This project explored Māori experiences of grief and mourning by reviewing existing literature to identify key insights and gaps. The findings will support the development of a culturally grounded model of grief, informed by mātauranga Māori and guided by experts in tangihanga and bereavement.

This internship explored Te Atiawa knowledge, perspectives, and values to help develop a research model grounded in Te Atiawa mātauranga. Drawing on lived experience and community connections, the project supports efforts to strengthen spiritual, emotional, and physical ties between Te Atiawa and their Tupuna Mounga, Taranaki.

This internship explored archival sources for Māori knowledge and stories about kākāpō, supporting efforts to protect this taonga species. Guided by NPM researchers, the intern contributed to public education strategies connecting mātauranga Māori with conservation.

This internship explored the long-term impacts of COVID-19 on wellbeing across communities and workplaces through an in-depth literature review. In collaboration with NPM and Methodist Mission Northern, the intern gained research and community engagement experience to inform future kaupapa.