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Te Oriori mō Whakaewa-i-te-rangi: An ontological study

21DSG41

Doctoral Thesis

Project commenced:

Rewa Paewai (Ngāti Rangitāne o Tamaki nui-a-Rua; Ngāti Pikiao), The University of Auckland

This doctoral study is primarily philosophical, using theory and Māori ontological concepts to engage with culturally significant ideas in Te Oriori mō Whakaewa-i-te-rangi. This oriori was considered by Sir Apirana Ngata to be one of the oldest surviving compositions in Māoridom.  As such, the oriori provides a rich and authentic source of information and knowledge for the study of oontology as it relates to the Ngāti Pakapaka hapū of Rangitāne o Tamaki nui-a- Rua. 

The key research questions that drive this study and reflect its methodology are: 

  1. What are some of the key ideas expressed in Te Oriori mō Whakaewa-i-te-rangi that can illuminate ontological assumptions of Te Ao Maori? 

  2. How do these key ontological ideas underpin and explain aspects of tikanga Māori and mātauranga Māori? 

The aim of this doctoral study is to add to the current research about Māori ontologies in order to develop a deeper understanding of mātauranga Māori and contribute to discussions about the centrality of te ao Māori including mātauranga in Aotearoa today.