Pakeha research with Maori: exploring the experiences of Pakeha researchers in social science research projects with Maori

Abstract

There is a substantive amount of literature that is concerned with the nature of how Pakeha research has been conducted 'on' Maori in the past. This critique has focused on epistemological debates of the way in which Pakeha research with Maori has previously been framed, namely in relation to research processes which have derived from the positivist paradigm of inquiry. This critique is also grounded in a wider political debate concerning the structural power inequalities that exist in all settler societies where there is a colonial majority and indigenous minority. Various research strategy guidelines and ethical considerations have been developed by some Maori to help Pakeha research move closer to the overarching goal that Maori participants are recognised as the primary consumers of the research, and that they have control over the research into their lives. This exploratory study is based on data collected by using the research strategy of in-depth interviews with ten Pakeha researchers from around New Zealand. The sample of Pakeha researchers was located through the use of the 'snowballing' technique, and this process located Pakeha researchers from various social areas, such as health, education, Waitangi Tribunal land claims, and social evaluation. Some of the researchers have been conducting research projects that involve Maori as participants, and some have been involved in Maori-centred research. The findings suggest that a shift from Maori being viewed as research 'subjects' towards Maori becoming the researchers, has been aligned with changes in the role of the Pakeha researcher as 'expert', towards a more collaborative role, where they working with or for Maori. Pakeha researchers are seeking to validate their position by sharing power and control in the research process with Maori, and by recognising their obligation under the Treaty of Waitangi to assist Maori by engaging with them in meaningful research that has empowering and emancipatory outcomes. This study does not provide a definitive account of what cross-cultural research processes entail, nor does it illustrate a profile of a typical Pakeha researcher. The purpose of this thesis has been to make a contribution to the largely unknown practice of research with Maori by Pakeha researchers in New Zealand.