Pae Tawhiti

This project explored how the Māori concept of tohu—environmental signs—could inform Antarctic research and stewardship. By weaving te ao Māori into international climate science, the research supported Indigenous-led approaches to recognising and responding to signs of change in Antarctica.

This internship examined publicly available sources to build a research report on Te Atiawa knowledge, perspectives, and values, aiming to develop a research model grounded in Te Atiawa mātauranga.
The project informed the first phase of a Master’s thesis supporting Te Atiawa and their hapū to strengthen connections with their Tupuna Mounga, Taranaki.

This internship project aimed to make key Waitangi Tribunal jurisprudence more accessible to public sector policy-makers. By reviewing Tribunal reports, the research focused on how the Tribunal identifies and balances competing interests. The result is practical guidance to help decision-makers apply Treaty principles thoughtfully and transparently in contemporary policy contexts.

This internship explored how tikanga Māori and Te Tiriti o Waitangi are transforming Aotearoa’s legal landscape through case law and legislation. Guided by Associate Professor Linda Te Aho, interns gained hands-on research experience and contributed to a wider kaupapa on iwi-led legal and historical narratives.

This project examined the impact of the invasive freshwater gold clam on the mauri of Waiwaia and taonga species in the Waipā River. It assessed the species' role from a Te Ao Māori perspective and proposed culturally grounded responses for environmental protection.

Intern

Ocean Bartlett, Ngati Porou, Ngāpuhi, University of Canterbury

Supervisor

Adrienne Paul, Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury

The internship is provided as part of the prestigious NPM Borrin Foundation Legal Research Internship award.

Overview