Pae Tawhiti

This internship explored how tikanga Māori and Te Tiriti o Waitangi are transforming Aotearoa’s legal landscape through case law and legislation. Guided by Associate Professor Linda Te Aho, interns gained hands-on research experience and contributed to a wider kaupapa on iwi-led legal and historical narratives.

This project examined the impact of the invasive freshwater gold clam on the mauri of Waiwaia and taonga species in the Waipā River. It assessed the species' role from a Te Ao Māori perspective and proposed culturally grounded responses for environmental protection.

Intern

Ocean Bartlett, Ngati Porou, Ngāpuhi, University of Canterbury

Supervisor

Adrienne Paul, Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury

The internship is provided as part of the prestigious NPM Borrin Foundation Legal Research Internship award.

Overview

This internship project focussed on analysing data to address two questions 1. How does trauma impact Māori youth who offend, and their whānau, and 2. how can their lived experiences and Māori approaches to Trauma Informed Care shape law and policy related to youth justice to foster whānau flourishing?

This project investigated the impacts of Cyclone Gabrielle on Māori and wider communities in Hawke’s Bay, highlighting the delayed government response. It explored how co-governance between Māori and local authorities could improve disaster preparedness and recovery planning.

This internship explored how urban-raised Māori postgraduate students can reconnect and rekindle their ahi kā with ancestral marae, strengthening their sense of belonging and empowering them to keep the home fires burning.