Centres of Research Excellence Fund

2006 Expressions of Interest

Nga Pae o te Maramatanga (Horizons of Insight) The National Institute for Research Excellence in Maori Development and Advancement

(Existing CoRE)

Director:  Prof. Michael Walker / Prof. Linda Smith
Host:        The University of Auckland

Partners:   The University of Waikato
                 Victoria University of Wellington
                 University of Otago
                 Massey University
                 Auckland University of Technology
                 Lincoln University
                 University of Canterbury
                 Te Whare Wananga o Awanuiarangi
                 Te Wananga o Aotearoa
                 Auckland War Memorial Museum
                 Te Papa Tongarewa National Museum of New Zealand
                 Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research
                 Waikato Raupatu Lands Trust
                 Te Tauihu o Nga Wananga

Abstract:

Ngā Pae o te Māramatanga (Horizons of Insight) proposes programmes of excellent Research, Capability Building and Knowledge Exchange that (1) transform society by contributing to full participation by Māori in all aspects of society and the economy; (2) contribute to social, cultural and economic advancement of whānau and Māori communities in New Zealand society; and (3) enhance national identity and uniqueness through Māori contributions in research that reflect indigenous knowledge, values and world views. New theme areas in our work will include:

• novel research that examines cultural (including traditional and contemporary values), social, political, and economic components of governance, management and leadership required to underpin inter alia the inter-generational transfer of collectively held economic assets generated through Treaty settlements, whānau estates, or the operations of collective Māori organisations; and
• research to unleash Maori potential through:
• enhanced whānau capacities, positive participation in the community, the education system and employment;
• knowledge gains by individual and collective Māori groups in both urban and tribal environments; and
• retention, transmission and extension of Māori language, and culture.

This Centre is uniquely placed to achieve excellent research leading to excellent outcomes because it has built a nationally networked community of Māori researchers and created the infrastructure and scholarly environment to support cross-disciplinary research rooted in the perspective and experience of Māori. Our proposal includes new research capacities spanning the university, wānanga, and museum sectors and a programme of academic and professional development that is unique in New Zealand, at the leading edge of doctoral and post-doctoral training internationally, and contributing to rapidly increasing success by Māori researchers. Finally, the Centre achieves high multipliers on the investment in research through a focussed Knowledge Exchange programme, so named because it is based on multidirectional, reciprocal exchange rather than on linear transfer of knowledge.