Doctoral Thesis

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.

Jordan Aria Housiaux (Te Ati Awa ki Whakarongotai, Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāti Toa), Massey University

This doctoral project clearly sits within the Ngā Pae o Māramatanga Research Theme: Te Tai Ao. Specifically, this research was established to develop a solution to the disarray often associated with whale stranding events. Unmethodical management and handling practises can lead to further stress experienced by stranded animals, and ultimately higher rates of death.

Jovan James Mokaraka-Harris (Ngapuhi, Te Rarawa & Ngati Wai), University of Otago

This study will explore the physical/ecological relationship hapū have with their ancestral landscape. New horizons will be sought as the study will seek to merge indigenous ecological knowledges with physical geography subdisciplines to produce a new understanding as to how the two knowledge bases can coexist and complement each other to enhance ancestral knowledges and understandings. A major focus will conduct an analysis of ancestral awa and the role hydrology can offer new insights into our relationships with awa.

Zak Waipara (Ngati Porou, Rongowhakaata, Ngati Ruapani, Ngati Kahungnu), Auckland University of Technology

All pūrākau are concerned with how to make sense of our world and ourselves, especially so for indigenous people, because so much has been lost that our stories can be a beacon to find our way home again. “Genuine folklore has been created to teach and to preserve … explanations of the natural, supernatural, and human phenomena ... [reflecting] lifestyle, customs, values, beliefs, ideas, dispositions, humor, and many other aspects of a people.”

Helen Pearse-Otene (Ngāpuhi-Ngāti Kurī; Rongomaiwahine-Ngāti Kahungunu; Ngāti Pahawauwera; Ngāti Ruanui; Ngāti Pākehā), Massey University

The project is a partnership based on already existing relations between participants from academia, the performing arts, and hard to reach communities that connect through a women’s support group. This research whānau will draw upon a range of mātauranga, tools, techniques, and differing perspectives of mana wāhine – in a transdisciplinary, collaborative research project that will reclaim the pūrākau of Hinenui Te Pō as a medium to investigate personal stories of: transformation, Selfhood, healing journeys, self determination, and the transgression and then re-assertion of Mana Wāhine.

Melissa Derby (Ngāti Ranginui), University of Canterbury

The study explores literacy as a human right that is key to accessing other human rights associated with health and wellbeing, community engagement, cultural imperatives, and lifelong learning - all of which are critical to the Mauri Ora theme.

My doctoral research also has resonance with Ngā Pae o te Māramatanga’s statement about Te Reo me Ngā Tikanga Māori: The Māori Language and Protocols in that my research is seeking to gain greater understanding of the development of early literacy skills in bilingual (Te Reo Māori and English) pre-school children.