Constructing research from an indigenous Kaupapa Māori perspective: An example of decolonising research

Abstract

This paper articulates an example of a piece of research undertaken on the basis of a Kaupapa Māori and non-Western epistemology. The research acts both as a personal endeavour, and as a political stand against the dominant Western paradigm of mainstream research. The intent of this paper is to reveal a different form of “knowing,” and invite the reader to reflect on their own “position” in relation to this stance. Consequently, findings from the research have not been discussed. The use of Māori and non-English terms is intentional, and presents the reader with an opportunity to experience what it is like to be excluded through the process of languaging. In the spirit of generosity though, as practiced and perhaps required by many indigenous cultures, translations have been provided within the main text or within the glossary.