Research Programme
Pae Ora
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Matakitenga project
Combatting bias in schools: A Kaupapa Māori study into students’ experiences of racism by Māori, with Māori, for the benefit of Māori
Despite growing calls for anti-racism in education, many interventions fall short of meaningful impact. This kaupapa Māori project listened directly to Māori students in Northland to document their lived experiences of racism in schools. These insights are now laying the groundwork for an innovative intervention: a virtual reality (VR) simulation that… -
Matakitenga project
Tihei Mauriora, Tihei Mana Motuhake: Breathing mauri and mana motuhake into the lives of rangatahi Māori who offend, and their whānau, who have lived experience of trauma.
Māori youth are vastly over-represented in New Zealand’s justice system — a clear sign that the system isn’t working for everyone. This project aims to change that. -
Doctoral Thesis
Te Kai Ora a Kāi Tahu: Conceptualising Kāi Tahu kai sovereignty and Māori nutrition data sovereignty
This research explored how Kāi Tahu can strengthen control over kai systems, sources, and practices. By weaving together insights on Māori food and nutrition data sovereignty, it offers a foundation for future whānau- and hapori-led kai ora initiatives. -
Doctoral Thesis
Mana Tinana, Mana Mōmona, Mana Wāhine: Ngā Pūrākau o Ngā Tinana Body Sovereignty and Fat Māori Wāhine
How do fat Indigenous wāhine reclaim body sovereignty as a form of resistance? This research centred on the lived experiences of fat Māori wāhine, challenging colonial and biomedical narratives through the lens of mātauranga Māori. It reclaims tino rangatiratanga and mana motuhake of the body, and reimagines access, wellbeing, and worth beyond systems of… -
Internship project
Tūrou 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. -
Internship project
Te 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. -
Research Programme
He oranga whānau: mahi ngātahi: Whānau livelihoods within the context of work and Māori economies of wellbeing
He oranga whānau: mahi ngātahi: Whānau livelihoods within the context of work and Māori economies of wellbeing. These groundbreaking works celebrate Māori futures rooted in kaupapa Māori values while fostering pathways for responsible relationships, meaningful lives, and flourishing Indigenous wellbeing economies. By emphasising the central role of whānau…