Vol. 3 No. 1 (2025): Methodology Special Issue

Kia ora and welcome to the latest edition of Rangahau Aranga.  

This edition is the journal’s first issue to focus on research methodologies.  

We hope that this issue will provide a resource for all future postgraduate students approaching their research and wondering where to start.  

The methodologies explored in this issue range from qualitative and quantitative research approaches through to mixed methods, heuristic inquiry, systematic and integrative reviews, narrative inquiry, appreciative inquiry, indigenous methodologies and much more. 

This issue has been coordinated by  Rangahau Aranga student editors and by Te Mātāpuna (AUT Library) Research Services Librarians.  

Many thanks to the authors for supporting this journal and to the staff and students who undertook peer review at a very busy time of year! 

Cover art:

Zohreh K.M. Shirazi. The Illuminated Traveller: A Methodological Framework (2024). Digital painting created by the artist, with the aid of AI to enhance efficiency and precision in the process. The artwork reflects a seamless blend of traditional artistic techniques and contemporary technological tools, embodying the research’s transdisciplinary approach.

This composition represents The Illuminated Traveller, a project exploring Iranian mystical wisdom through the narrative journey of Mana, a young woman guided by Farhang, a mystical figure. Rooted in Suhrawardi’s Illuminationist philosophy and Sufi traditions, the artwork symbolises light as an agent of transformation and self-discovery. The imagery conveys themes of cultural identity and spiritual growth, deeply intertwined with the artist’s personal journey and reflective practice.

While AI served as a supportive tool in enhancing the visual quality and workflow, the essence of the piece is grounded in the artist’s vision and creative craftsmanship. The resulting artwork bridges timeless cultural wisdom with the possibilities of digital storytelling, offering a contemporary lens on Persian mystical traditions.

Zohreh K.M. Shirazi is an artist, researcher, and storyteller based in Aotearoa, originally from Iran. Her work intertwines philosophical inquiry, artistic practice, and digital technology to preserve and revitalise Persian cultural heritage. This project reflects Shirazi’s ongoing commitment to connecting ancient narratives with modern audiences through innovative methods.