Doctoral Projects

Paul Tamataatoi Brown (Waikato, Ngaati Hikairo), University of Waikato

I am currently at the final stages of writing up the thesis. The submission deadline for the thesis is 31st May 2018, which we are currently on target for. We plan to disseminate our research through two separate journal papers. The first paper is titled “Improving grid-based Bayesian methods using Low Discrepancy Sequences”, which will be submitted to the international journal “Bayesian Analysis”.

The second paper will be titled “The incorporation of physical barriers in a spatio temporal model of crime”, with the current aim of submitting this to the journal “Australian and New Zealand Journal of Statistics”. b. the innovations and significance of the work Statistical analyses of data using a Bayesian approach allows a researcher to combine prior knowledge about the phenomena being measured with the current data. Bayesian inference holds many advantages of more classical approaches to inference, but it has computational drawbacks.

Keri Milne-Ihimaera (Ngāi Tahu), Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiarangi

This research explored how mahinga toi—through process, theory, and creative output—supported whānau, hapū, and iwi oranga and mana motuhake. Grounded in Te Whānau a Apanui, it developed a tukunga iho methodology that extended pūrākau into creative practice, recognising toi as both healer and knowledge system.

Chanel Phillips (Ngāti Hine, Ngāpuhi), University of Otago

There is very little published research that examines why Māori have high rates of drowning despite a cultural connection to water, and fewer literature that examines water safety specifically from a Māori perspective. The significance of this work is in addressing this gap in the literature and providing an explicit kaupapa Māori approach to water safety.

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.

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.