Projects

Liana Catherine MacDonald (Liana Catherine MacDonald), Victoria University of Education

My research focuses squarely on a Māori perspective of the mainstream education system and is concerned with teachers' pedagogical practices and understandings of how to implement the English curriculum through the teaching of text.  The study also highlights the significant challenges of operating in such an environment too.

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, & Oliphant, 1991) as well as many more natural resources, are significant to the cultural identity of Māori people. For example, “the exercise of kaitiaki responsibilites towards these taonga species and their environment, is a fundamental aspect of Māori culture, and kaitaki relationships are important sources of identity” (Waitangi Tribunal, 2011).

Intern: Kelly M. Klink

Supervisor: Dr Nēpia Mahuika

University of Waikato

This internship project seeks to create a foundational annotated database of takatāpui literature and resources, including whakawahine and tangata ira tane and other gender non-conforming takatāpui, which are often left out of the narrative.

We are now 30+ years on from when our children first had the opportunity to attend Kōhanga. They are a part of a fortunate generation, like those who will follow them. And so too are those that are following. But what of those older Māori, their parents and grandparents, some of who do speak te reo but many who do not? What challenges to tikanga, age related roles and relationships do these demographics present? Status, mana, roles, responsibilities, ritual duties and leadership are all age related concepts that, in the Māori world, assume a foundation of learning that leads to experience, competence and accumulated wisdom over time. 

The overarching research question is: what constitutes entrepreneurial ecosystem efficacy with respect to indigenous entrepreneurs’ innovation intentions and activity? In order to investigate this overarching research question, the following questions will be explored: (i) how do Māori entrepreneurs think about innovation?