He rapunga whakaaro: a search for knowledge

Abstract

The aim of this whakapapa, Ngä Päpäringa e Rua study was to ascertain whether there was a Mäori framework, which could be considered Mätauranga Mäori research. It has involved kanohi kitea körero with fourteen Ngäti Porou. Six were elders and six were academics. An additional two Ngäti Porou participated in a wänanga. Mäori are one of the most researched groups in the Pacific region, but very little of this research has served the interests of Mäori or reflected Mäori values, in the research design, implementation or in the interpretation and reporting of the research. Challenges to the way in which Mäori knowledge was being exploited gathered significant impetus in the mid 1980's. Since then there has been a proliferation in literature on what has become known as Kaupapa Mäori Research. In Kaupapa Mäori Research the theorising appears to have begun with the research experiences of the researcher. In contrast this study has sought the views of the researched as the primary resource and utilised this material to delve into the researcher's experience. All research methods and ideas have their own philosophical and ideological assumptions. In the search for a 'Mäori way' of doing research, the philosophy, cultural concepts and their assumptions needed to be articulated and made explicit. There is a worldview; there is also the genesis of tho worldview. which is paradoxical, layered, holistic, creative, dynamic and non-prescriptive. The analogy of the interior of a meeting house has been used to categorise the layers of theories. Te Tähuhu o te Ao Mäori is the meta theory, or the big picture of Mätauranga Mäori Research. From tähuhu or philosophical framework, emerge, or ka puta mai, many cultural concepts which are relevant to Mätauranga Mäori Research. These concepts such as whakapapa, kanohi kitea, whaikörero, whakaaro all have their own assumptions and form a second layer of theory, which I have called ngä heke or substantive Mätauranga Mäori theory. The third layer I have called ngä poupou or the applied or practice theories. The notion of Tanepiripiri, embraces all three layers of theories. Tanepiripiri also indicates the interdependence and interconnectedness of these layers. This layered system of theories informs, guides and directs the practice. Knowledge of the philosophy is essential for the practice. Reaffirmation, reclaiming and revalidation of a Mäori way of knowing is a key focus of this thesis. The distinguishing feature of Mätauranga Máori research is the notion of Tanepiripiri with its tähuhu. heke and poupou. They are interwoven and dynamic.