Doctoral Thesis

Michael Taiapa (Ngāti Porou, Ngāpuhi), Waikato University

Since the 1950s, the advancements in second language acquisition and grammar theories in English language studies has had a profound impact on its own description that has made it less syntactically-driven and more communicatively-oriented. This has the potential to influence language description moving it from a purely structurally-focused orientation to a more semantically-focused one that is more suited to the pedagogic context.

Nevertheless, in the case of the Māori language, its description continues to be dominated by structural linguistics that was prevalent in the 19th and early 20th centuries, making no concessions to the possibility of a semantic analysis and this, in turn, is reflected in grammar books and textbooks on te reo.

Paia Taani (Ngāi Tūhoi, Ngāti Whare, Te Upokorehe, Ngāti Wakaue

The aim of this research is to investigate whanau use of te reo Maori in order to support, inform and influence current and future intergenerational transmission of te reo Maori. The purpose is to contribute to the revitalisation of te reo Maori.

Oliver Skinner (Waikato Tainui), University of Otago

This thesis is a legal history of Wairarapa Moana, the wetlands comprising lakes Wairarapa and Onoke and their tributaries, from early Maori occupation of the area through to Treaty settlement processes and beyond. It explores the 'legal experiences' of Maori who are traditionally based around and share connections with Wairarapa Moana and questions how these experiences have shaped and continue to shape how the moana is managed and cared for today.

Pita Shelford (Te Rararawa, Ngāpuhi), University of Waikato

My research is connected to an Ageing Well National Science Challenge funded project: Kaumatua mana motuhake (KMM): Kaumfltua managing life-transitions through tuakana-teinalpeer education (tuakana-teina pair conversations), which sought to address the mana motuhake of kaumatua within an urban, kaumatua governed and lead, community-based organisation: Rauawaawa Kaumatua Charitable Trust.

Moana Rarere (Rongomaiwahine, Nga.ti Kahungunu ki Wairoa/ki Heretaun a, Tiihoe, N ati Whare, Te O okorehe), Waikato University

My doctorate critically reviews Maori birth patterns in demography. Since the late 1970s Maori births have gradually converged to levels similar to Pakeha. However, important differences persist. Most notably, wahine Maori birth their babies earlier, and over a longer period of time. This doctoral study asks: What are the key factors that have sustained Maori fertility patterns? While I account for demographic and economic factors, my primary focus is on understanding the potential influence of cultural identity, which has received little attention in demographic studies. 

Awhina Ruby Pitiroi (Ngati Tuwharetoa, Ngai Tai, gati Raukawa, Waikato-Maniapoto, Tuhoe), Victoria University of Wellington

My background is in Kura Kaupapa Māori education. I have led various water enhancement projects around Lake Taupō and adjoining waterways over 20 years of teaching within a localised, kaupapa Māori water education framework. An awareness of various ritualistic engagements and the spiritual dimension of water has developed through these projects alongside Ngāti Tūwharetoa kaumātua.

While water is central to survival, rituals have an important role to play in binding societies and strengthening connections to the environment. The primary research question is therefore: What are the customary water rituals of Ngāti Tūwharetoa?