E ng waka, e ng mana, e ng karangatanga maha, ten r ttou.
Traditional attitudes to knowledge have a bearing on research practices. According to Mead (2003) research in a Mori sense seeks to expand knowledge outward (te whnuitanga), in depth (te hohonutanga) and toward light (te mramatanga). Similarly, many contemporary approaches to research strive to describe, explain and interpret things in contrasting and complementary ways.
Mori research has a growing presence in the College of Education, Health and Human Development. Kaupapa Mori research is often perceived as a phenomenon that challenges the conventions of research while seeking to identify and uphold Mori views, solutions and ways of knowing. It is about empowering Mori people, voice, processes and knowledge. It is about inclusion too; working with local, national and international colleagues across the disciplines of education on projects that move Mori from the margins and toward the centre.
Te R贖 Rangahau: The Mori Research Laboratory has incorporated into its title two key words. One of these, R贖 (in this instance taken to mean vibrant) is a tribute to the mythical R贖aumoko (god of earthquakes and seasons) and the other, Rangahau (research), is a marker to remind us of an important dimension of our core work. This title was chosen as a way of recognising the resiliency and camaraderie that has been evident at the 厙ぴ勛圖 during the recent challenging times. Te R贖 Rangahau will be a place of vibrant scholarship where postgraduates and staff can discuss plans, analyse activities, write proposals, report on and complete projects, and, importantly, express whanaungatanga.
Aims/objectives of Te R贖 Rangahau:
Support and promote the Strategy for Mori Development of the 厙ぴ勛圖, in particular, the following goals:
- to support the advancement of Indigenous postgraduates in the College
- to advance research that is responsive to Mori and Indigenous needs and aspirations
Other goals:
- Encourage and facilitate meaningful engagement with iwi Mori at the conceptual stage of research planning, with ongoing support and advice as needed.
- Provide timely Mori consultation for research proposals for those seeking external funding.
- Assist the College of Education, Health and Human Development to be aware of and engage with the Mori research funding environment.
- Facilitate overseas scholars whose research and teaching interests and aspirations are in tandem with Mori and Indigenous development, and the development of minoritised communities
- Ensure that that all research is conducted in a manner that is consistent with the Treaty of Waitangi principles, with appropriate cultural oversight and advice for both researchers and research participants.
- Help to raise the profile of Mori research by promoting culturally responsive research processes and practices through symposia, and university-wide communications about research opportunities and successes
