In pursuit of indigeneity: New horizons in education and law in Aotearoa, New Zealand

Abstract

The relationship between indigeneity and the institutions of common law have long caused various challenges of sovereignty for indigenous peoples in the Australasia region. This talk traces the struggles and opportunities that exist when examining the histories of Education law in Aotearoa, New Zealand, particularly for those that identify as Māori. This talk shares findings from a study that pursued a highly personalised and interdisciplinary approach that aimed to understand how Māori educators contribute to the development of legal cultures in schooling contexts. This discussion aims to reveal both the potential and pitfalls of legal cultures as they are transforming, and moves to ask, where to next. Sarah-Kay’s visit comes at a time when there is heightened interest in the political debate in education and questions if existing institutional structures create the conditions for Māori success. This talk promises to be a thought-provoking event addressing some of the critical questions for publicly funded education.