Abstract

This thesis addresses the underrepresentation of indigenous Māori people in leadership positions and pursues the need to develop a Māori leadership framework aimed at empowering the next generation of indigenous people. Several frameworks have attempted to exhibit Māori leadership dynamics, each offering unique insights into the cultural and relational aspects of Māori leadership. However, existing frameworks often exhibit limitations in fully encapsulating the breadth of Māori leadership values and practices, necessitating the development of a comprehensive Māori leadership model independent of Western frameworks. Through an extensive review of existing literature and engaging with Māori experts, I synthesized key insights to create a model, referencing only Māori cultural contexts. Existing frameworks and experts revealed recurring themes such as Whakapapa (ancestral connections), Mana (power and prestige), Tikanga (customs and protocols), and Whakatauki/Whakatauaki (proverbs), underscoring the centrality of ancestral wisdom and cultural identity in Māori leadership. The exploration of Māori symbolism, such as niho taniwha and pātiki patterns, adds depth to the discussion, illustrating how indigenous art conveys rich cultural narratives and leadership qualities. To further validate the model, I conducted semi-structured interviews with 21 Māori leaders across various industries, ages, and genders in New Zealand about their perspectives on effective Māori leadership. By analyzing and rating these interviews, I facilitated a deeper understanding of how the model correlated with modern Māori leadership practices. Based on the interview results, I made modifications to the framework to better align with contemporary Māori leadership dynamics. Moving forward, I plan to continue this study to further refine my research and analysis, ultimately contributing to the empowerment and representation of Māori leaders in leadership positions.

Degree

College and Department

Life Sciences; Biology

Rights

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