Doctoral Projects

This study has been initiated by the iwi of Ōhiwa, led by Ngāti Awa to establish techniques and practices to provide information to assist in the co-management of Ōhiwa harbour.

The whakatauakī - 'Ko au ko koe, ko koe ko au,' stands as a determining principle behind the legacy created by Mita Hikairo Mohi and his teachings of the discipline of mautaiaha.  Many from across the motu have attended these wānanga held on Mokoia Island. The intention of Aramoana’s research is to explore this legacy and its impact on Māori Male well-being in relation to cultural reclamation, resilience and affirmation.

Kahutoi Mere Te Kanawa (Ngāti Kinohaku, Maniapoto, Waikato, Tuwharetoa me Rarua oku iwi), 

My application for this scholarship is to help me complete my Creative Practice Doctorate, which I have now been working on for a number of years.

Kirsty Dunn (Te Aupōuri, Te Rarawa), University of Canterbury

My PhD thesis, tentatively titled “‘Into the Dark, We Are Moths’” Centering Whakapapa, Representing Animals in Māori Writing in English” is an exploration of the ways in which human-animal relationships are represented and reimagined in contemporary Māori writing in English.  I aim to both describe a Kaupapa Māori framework for reading Māori literature, and demonstrate its efficacy and potential by analysing a selection of contemporary works.

Bonnie Maihi (Waikato-Tainui), University of Waikato

This project explores education and work pathways for Maaori Rangatahi/youth growing up in Aotearoa gang spaces.

The research aims to create awareness of pathways for Maaori children growing up in Aotearoa gang spaces and contribute to the development of Maaori whaanau in Aotearoa gang spaces by providing space for the silenced Maaori gang member

The majority of collaboration at this point is to be with whaanau in the gang spaces, alongside those showing leadership with our whaanau in these spaces. Other options may include - marae, hapuu and iwi.

The research contributes to a space which many Maaori whaanau occupy - providing a platform Tino Rangatiratanga / Self-determination Whaanau development - whaanau encouragement to find own solutions to nuturing ragatahi in these spaces onto school & work pathways.

Louise Kewene-Doig (Tainui, Ngāti Haua), University of Otago

My research focus is Māori music experiences of the 1960s through the Māori Showband phenomenon. Using Kaupapa Māori and whakapapa research methods, my thesis will explore the importance of the Māori Showbands from the perspective of band members. I am creating unique ways of retelling cultural and social experiences as well through the development of Tutuku a digital archive.