Pae Auaha

This internship examined how the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples has influenced domestic law reforms, drawing lessons from Canada, Belize, and beyond.
It explored strategies for Indigenous peoples and civil society to advance rights within national and international legal frameworks.

This project created “Te Proton Poi” — a waiata integrating mātauranga Māori with quantum physics to support community engagement with advanced health technologies.
Inspired by MRI concepts and kapa haka, the project highlights how culturally grounded approaches can bridge science and te ao Māori to empower whānau.

This internship is about the kanakana/piharau/pouched lamprey, a struggling fish species in New Zealand due to decline in river water quality, industrialisation, and river alteration.

Intern

Punua Waitoki, University of Waikato

Supervisor

Associate Professor Te Taka Keegan, University of Waikato

Overview

This internship focused on the creation of a ‘supervisor’s package’ to support He Ara Pūkeko, an apprenticeship programme.

This internship explored the emerging field of Māori data governance, focusing on unmet needs within current data systems. The project unpacked Te Kāhui Raraunga’s Māori Data Governance Model and repackaged its components into practical formats—including FAQs, presentations, and social media-ready content—to support wider understanding and application across iwi and communities.