Te taaepaepatanga o te rangi : Māori global engagement : the opportunities, challenges and aspirations : Māori leaders speak : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Masters of Arts at Massey University, Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa, Palmerston North, New Zealand

Abstract

This thesis explores Maori global engagement from the perspectives of leaders in Maori development; the opportunities, challenges and aspirations, and its significance and contribution to Maori development efforts. It positions Maori global engagement as an essential facet of Maori development, with beginnings before Maori arrival to Aotearoa New Zealand, and which has a pivotal role in Maori development now and in the future. Individual in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with leaders in Maori development across three key areas: Cultural resources, Social wellbeing, and Business. Duries (1998a) framework on =mana‘ was drawn upon to ensure appropriate and satisfactory ethical considerations when engaging with these leaders. These leaders were specifically identified for the power of their narratives and ability to provide rich data on the research topic. Subsequently, the use of thematic analysis was employed to analyse the data. Interview data portrays the expansive nature of Maori global engagement and exciting opportunities that have occurred and are developing. Specific challenges that restrict global engagement were also identified that will require considered Maori leadership to overcome. This thesis seeks to consider the development of Maori global engagement historically, in the present, and ways in which Maori global engagement can enhance Maori development in the future. It views Maori global engagement as an emancipatory vehicle that can affirm aspirations of tino rangatiratanga and self-determination to achieve enduring positive Maori development in Aotearoa New Zealand and across the globe.