Ngā Wai a Te Tūi

Māori and Indigenous Research Centre hosted by Unitec Institute of Technology

Mission

We are committed to spearheading innovative kaupapa Māori research that not only contributes to te puna mātauranga (the wellspring of knowledge) but also nurtures the thriving of whānau (families), hapū (sub-tribes), iwi (tribes), marae (cultural meeting grounds), and Māori communities as a whole.

Our Values

Rangatiratanga: We are committed to showcasing leadership in kaupapa Māori research.
Whakaritenga: We consistently employ te reo (language), tikanga (customs), and mātauranga (knowledge) Māori in every facet of our work.
Kaitiakitanga: We uphold our connection and responsibility to the well-being of all living beings and the environment.
Mahi Kotahitanga: We actively cultivate meaningful relationships within the research sector, fostering strong connections with Māori communities and organizations.

Goals

WHĀINGA KOTAHI: To preserve and sustain sources of mātauranga (knowledge and wisdom).
WHĀINGA RUA: To engage in Kaupapa Māori research that directly involves and benefits communities.
WHĀINGA TORU: To create research opportunities that facilitate the transfer of knowledge across generations.

One of our notable projects, the ‘Te Manaaki o te Marae’ project, is a collaborative research initiative conducted in partnership with Te Puea Memorial Marae. This research project delved into the pivotal role marae (cultural meeting grounds) played during the Tāmaki housing crisis, spanning from 2017 to 2019. This project received funding from Kāinga Tahi, Kāinga Rua, Building Better Homes, Towns and Cities, and the National Science Challenge.