Abstract:
Drawing on nautical notions of traversing the Pacific Ocean, we seek to encourage Mäori and Pasifika
researchers to come together in purposeful and transforming ways, not to further homogenise Oceanic
identities but, as many sang in active resistance in Aotearoa New Zealand during the 1990s, Kia kotahi
ra Te Moana-nui-
a-
Kiwa
(“Unite as one like the Pacific Ocean”). We present Vä-kä
as a methodology
that emerged from a research fellowship focused on Mäori and Pasifika student success at the University
of Auckland, New Zealand. Conceptually, we lash together the Pasifika term vä—relational time and
space—with the Mäori term kä—to ignite, to consider, to be in action. Bound together we forward
Vä-kä
methodology as a way to ignite Mäori and Pasifika researcher relationships, and to share ideas,
resources and “crew members” in allegiances that work to positively support our different and similar
educational agenda, and seek transforming change for our diverse and complex communities.
