Within traditional Māori society, koha was understood to serve a specific function with clear parameters. Today, however, the word ‘koha’ can describe anything from a ‘gold coin’ donation to a charity, to a substantial payment for services.  So, how is koha being used (and misused) in contemporary research practice?

In this online panel discussion, we’ll hear from two Māori scholars, Associate Professor Peter Adds (Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington) and Dr Jason Mika (Massey University), about the role of koha in both traditional and modern contexts. They will share their views on a range of koha examples and consider the cultural and tax implications.

THE PANELISTS

Peter Adds (Te Ātiawa) is Associate Professor in Te Kawa a Māui/the School of Māori Studies at Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington. His academic training is in archaeology but he has extensive experience in teaching and research about Te Tiriti o Waitangi and the Treaty of Waitangi, which he wrote about in the book Reconciliation, Representation and Indigeneity: Biculturalism in Aotearoa New Zealand (2016). For over 30 years, Peter has taught a capstone course on traditional Māori concepts and values, including koha, as part of the major in Māori studies.

Jason Mika (Ngāi Tūhoe, Whakatōhea, Ngāti Awa, Ngāti Kahungunu) is a senior lecturer in the School of Management and co-director of Te Au Rangahau, Massey Business School's Māori Business Research Centre. His research interests include indigenous entrepreneurship, management and methodologies. Jason was selected as the 2019 Fulbright-Ngā Pae o te Māramatanga Scholar to research the design of effective enterprise assistance for indigenous entrepreneurs. He is also a former management consultant, business mentor and enterprise facilitator, and a member of the Australian and New Zealand Academy of Management and Te Au Pakihi Manawatū Māori Business Network.