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Rangahau me te Manaaki

Projects

Our Research

NPM research solves real world challenges facing Māori. We do so in Māori-determined and inspired ways engendering sustainable relationships that grow the mana (respect and regard) and mauri (life essence) of the world we inhabit.

The excellence and expertise of the Ngā Pae o te Māramatanga researcher network is organised by four Te Ao Māori knowledge and excellence clusters or Pae. Pae are where our researchers rise with Te Ao Māori knowledge, tools and expertise to build a secure and prosperous future for Māori and Aotearoa New Zealand. Pae are purposefully expansive and inclusive, supporting transdisciplinary teams and approaches.

Four Pātai or critical systems-oriented questions generate transformative interventions and policy advice for stakeholders and next users. All of our research will contribute mātauranga-informed theories, models and evidenced solutions in response to our Pātai. Our Pātai serve to integrate and energise our programme and Pae to synthesize our research for next stage impact and outcomes.

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21-22INT07

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.

Project commenced:
Project completed
21-22INTC01

This project advanced seagrass restoration in Aotearoa by building on new evidence that Zostera muelleri produces viable seeds, enabling less invasive restoration methods.
It supports large-scale recovery of these vital coastal ecosystems without harming existing seagrass meadows.

Project commenced:
Project completed
21-22INTBOR01

This internship examined how the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples has influenced domestic law reforms, drawing lessons from Canada, Belize, and beyond.
It explored strategies for Indigenous peoples and civil society to advance rights within national and international legal frameworks.

Project commenced:
Project completed
21-22INT03

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.

Project commenced:
Project completed
21-22INT02

This project explored how the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi align—or conflict—with the management of public reserves, through a case study of Waikouaiti Recreation Reserve in the Kāti Huirapa ki Puketeraki rohe.
Supervised by Dr Robin Quigg, the research involved historical analysis of land use, whakapapa, and pūrākau, contributing to the decolonisation of park spaces.

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Project completed
21-22INT01

This project explored whānau-submitted narratives to understand the potential of whānau research in reclaiming knowledge, supporting healing, and navigating barriers.
The intern analysed submissions and reflected on how whakapapa-based methodologies foster intergenerational connection, resilience, and insight.

Project commenced:
Project completed