Mana Wāhine: Māori Women Education leaders in Aotearoa

Abstract

This thesis examines key factors in the lived experiences of Māori women in leadership roles in New Zealand educational contexts that have impacted on their careers. The research aim was to provide narratives whereby these stories will support, guide and inspire Māori educators, and in particular Māori women who are aspiring leaders. These narratives may support their journey and passion towards teaching and learning in a New Zealand context, thereby advancing positive outcomes for Māori student achievement. This study explores, analyses and features cultural autobiographies relevant to the leadership experiences of each participant. It includes the inspirational role modelling of leadership drawn from their own iwi, hapū and whānau. It includes both the positive and the challenging experiences of Māori women in leadership in education and their own personal journeys’ over time. The literature between leadership and student achievement is synonymous within the theories and practices of academics and experts throughout this thesis. The literature is also reflected in governmental policies and documents as guidelines to supporting educational institutions and practitioners to enable future development of raising student achievement. This qualitative study has been framed by several theoretical frameworks, foregrounded primarily by kaupapa Māori theory. This study privileges a Māori worldview, not one in comparison with or relation to any other (Pihama, 2001; G. H. Smith, 1992). Complementary theoretical frames engaged in this work include feminist theory and applied critical leadership theory (Santamaría et al., 2012). In essence, this study provides important narratives from Māori women who are at the forefront of education today. Their stories highlight the key role of whakapapa, identity, whānau and peer support, whakataukī, waiata and pūrākau in the lived experiences of these Māori women in educational leadership in Aotearoa/New Zealand. Undoubtedly, there are many more stories that remain untold and this thesis is merely a stepping stone for others to capture more moments in time. It is important to appreciate those who have made significant contributions to education and who have become inspirational role models in this field—often they go unrecognised.