E ngā waka, e ngā mana, e ngā karangatanga maha, tenā rā tātou.
Traditional attitudes to knowledge have a bearing on research practices. According to Mead (2003) research in a Māori sense seeks to expand knowledge outward (te whānuitanga), in depth (te hohonutanga) and toward light (te māramatanga). Similarly, many contemporary approaches to research strive to describe, explain and interpret things in contrasting and complementary ways.
Māori research has a growing presence in the College of Education, Health and Human Development. Kaupapa Māori research is often perceived as a phenomenon that challenges the conventions of research while seeking to identify and uphold Māori views, solutions and ways of knowing. It is about empowering Māori 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 Māori from the margins and toward the centre.
Te Rū Rangahau: The Māori Research Laboratory has incorporated into its title two key words. One of these, Rū (in this instance taken to mean vibrant) is a tribute to the mythical Rūaumoko (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 University of Canterbury during the recent challenging times. Te Rū 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 Rū Rangahau:
Support and promote the Strategy for Māori Development of the University of Canterbury, in particular, the following goals:
- to support the advancement of Indigenous postgraduates in the College
- to advance research that is responsive to Māori and Indigenous needs and aspirations
Other goals:
- Encourage and facilitate meaningful engagement with iwi Māori at the conceptual stage of research planning, with ongoing support and advice as needed.
- Provide timely Māori 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 Māori research funding environment.
- Facilitate overseas scholars whose research and teaching interests and aspirations are in tandem with Māori 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 Māori research by promoting culturally responsive research processes and practices through symposia, and university-wide communications about research opportunities and successes
