Māori and Indigenous Research Centre opens its doors to future collaboration

Ngā Wai a Te Tūī (Māori and Indigenous Research Centre) opened its doors to the community and kaimahi from both Unitec and Manukau Institute of Technology at their Open Day in B111 on Wednesday.

The Open Day was an opportunity for visitors to meet the Ngā Wai a Te Tūī team and hear about some of their research.

The day opened with karakia and an influx of kaimahi from Tuapapa Rangahau – led by Roseanne Ellis, our new Director, Research and Enterprise Tāmaki, and our MAIA and Pacific Centre whānau.

Visitors enjoyed the beautiful kai, kōrero, and whakawhanaungatanga throughout the day.

One of the day’s highlights was a Strategic Ideation session, which was an opportunity for Ngā Wai a Te Tūī to meet with kaimahi wanting to do research and discuss potential future collaborations and partnerships on future projects.

“I was thoroughly pleased with the Open Day and appreciated all those who made time to stop by.  I had some really lovely conversations and look forward to more,” says Associate Professor, Deborah Heke, Director of Ngā Wai a Te Tūī Māori and Indigenous Research Centre

“I would specifically like to extend my thanks to Taharangi Vivienne Merito, Papa Hohepa Renata and Matua Hare Paniora for bringing the Ngāti Whātua Ōrakei whānau through.”

“It was lovely to share our space and for them to see and hear about some of our rangahau, especially the Taura Kūtai (flax mussel ropes) that are a collaboration between Hinewaimarama and some of their Ngāti Whātua Ōrakei weavers. We’re hoping this (re)introduction is the foundation for a developing relationship with iwi.”

Assoc. Prof. Heke added that they were privileged to have Director – Māori Education, MIT, Dr Wiremu Manaia in attendance.

“The whakawhanaungatanga was a great start to an ongoing discussion about the potential role of Ngā Wai a Te Tūī in supporting Kaupapa Māori researchers at MIT and into our merge,” Assoc. Prof. Heke explains.

Assoc. Prof. Heke says the discussions on future collaborative research will continue and there will be further opportunities to meet with Research Leaders, kaimahi, and akōnga who might be interested in collaborating with Ngā Wai on some future projects.

Read more here: Ngā Wai a Te Tūī (Māori and Indigenous Research Centre) | Research and Enterprise | Unitec