Nga Kete Matauranga: Maori Scholars at the Research Interface

by Jacinta Ruru, Linda Waimarie Nikora (Editor)

In this beautiful and transformative book, 24 Maori academics share their personal journeys, revealing what being Maori has meant for them in their work. Their perspectives provide insight for all New Zealanders into how matauranga is positively influencing the Western-dominated disciplines of knowledge in the research sector. It is a shameful fact, says co-editor Jacinta Ruru in her introduction to Nga Kete Matauranga, that in 2020, only about 5 percent of academic staff at universities in Aotearoa New Zealand are Maori. Tertiary institutions have for the most part been hostile places for Indigenous students and staff, and this book is an important call for action. ‘It is well past time that our country seriously commits to decolonising the tertiary workforce, curriculum and research agenda,’ writes Professor Ruru.

Genres: Nonfiction

304 pages, Paperback

Published May 28, 2021

Reviews

[Caitlin Buchanan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this up as a pākehā hoping to understand the meaning of mātauranga Māori. What I found were glimpses into lives working against exactly the ignorance I came into this book with - glimpses of their fight to have indigenous ways of thinking recognized and respected. I was particularly engaged in the chapters that talked to my own disciplines at uni- philosophy was a favourite. Certainly come away with a new respect for the Māori studies department. Thank you.

[Anna Piphany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible book. The most engaging non fiction I have read in so long, a range of different authors, topics, voices and writing styles. Very rich and immersive throughout, dense dense information but conveyed in a way that keeps you curious no matter how much you are taking in. I was genuinely astounded by the astronomy chapter what a beautiful and deeply poetic and visceral chapter I haven’t stopped thinking about it since I read it, I am going to buy more books on the subject. I really needed this book it came to me at the perfect time, really enriching and inspiring to hear so many wahine Māori academics speak of their accolades in spite of struggle, and of course the tāne too though I have been experiencing a particular longing for more representation of wahine Māori in academia. Perfectly edited and layed out, every page of this book is alive and porous and seeping with mana and ngākau pono

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really illuminating collection of personal essays about the interface between mātauranga Māori and western-dominated knowledge disciplines in a tertiary context. Lots of valuable reflections and considerations for those of us considering this interface in a secondary context as we seek to implement national curriculum and assessment initiatives. Reminded me of things I love and hate about tertiary education, and gave me some food for thought on my own research pathway.