Commissioning a musical score and accompanying actions to a poi-waiata (called “Te Proton Poi”)

Project Summary

To facilitate community engagement within doctoral research a waiata called “Te Proton Poi” was written. The waiata’s purpose was to disseminate whakapapa relating to Quantum physics in a community friendly way. 

One of the pivotal achievements of this project was the development of a poi waiata, a kaupapa initiated during a fully funded Māori summer internship at the Mātai Medical Research Institute (Mātai). This internship afforded the opportunity to conduct research aimed at deliberately integrating advanced health technologies with Māori performing arts, creating a cohesive and holistic framework that transcends the conventional Western medical paradigm. The deliberate choice of a poi waiata was made due to its strong Te Reo Māori nature, ensuring that the medium itself was culturally resonant and appropriate. 

The project was initiated following a lecture on MRI technology and quantum physics by Dr. Samantha Holdsworth, who challenged students to develop a novel and culturally appropriate method to communicate the principles of her lecture. Recognising the parallel between the "spin" of protons in MRI technology and the spinning motion of poi, the idea to use kapa haka as the most fitting medium to convey these concepts was conceived. This connection between poi and the principles of quantum physics provided the foundation for fusing these two significant paradigms into a single framework aimed at promoting advanced health technologies in a culturally safe manner.

The Poi Composition project has made significant strides toward achieving its objectives of merging mātauranga Māori with innovative technologies to empower whānau and foster flourishing Māori futures. This waiata not only embodies the fusion of traditional knowledge with contemporary health technologies but also serves as a living example of how creative transformations can nurture cultural revitalisation.

Lead Researchers

Gina Waters, Ngati Porou, Ngati Kahungungu (Wairoa), Kai Tahu, and Associate Professor Samantha Holdsworth, University of Auckland