Ngā Ringa Rangahau Research Symposium
The Ringa Rangahau Research Symposium 2025, held in July 2025, was the third gathering dedicated to celebrating and advancing Māori research within Te Matau-a-Māui | Hawke’s Bay and across Aotearoa. Over three days, the symposium brought together researchers, practitioners, and whānau to share mātauranga, present innovative projects, and strengthen connections within and beyond the rohe.
The programme offered a rich and inspiring mix of keynote presentations and discussions covering kaupapa such as Māori health and wellbeing, climate change adaptation, te reo Māori revitalisation, Indigenous data sovereignty, and the role of tikanga in research and practice. Presenters included respected leaders and emerging researchers whose work showcased the depth, creativity, and impact of Māori-led inquiry across many disciplines.
A central focus of the symposium was supporting emerging researchers and building research capability within Ngāti Kahungunu. Participants engaged in vibrant discussions, celebrated achievements, and explored opportunities for collaboration and knowledge exchange. Feedback from attendees described the event as uplifting, energising, and a powerful affirmation of the value of kaupapa Māori research.
The symposium stood out not only for the calibre of the presentations but also for the atmosphere of whakawhanaungatanga and manaakitanga that underpinned every session. It affirmed the strength and potential of coming together on our own whenua to honour, share, and inspire research grounded in te ao Māori, underscoring the importance of collective efforts to sustain and grow Māori knowledge for generations to come.
Ngā Mihi to Our Sponsors & supporters
Participant Voices
“All of the speakers were absolutely fantastic. I loved the relaxed atmosphere. The kai was absolutely delicious as well! Thank you! The Symposium was an incredibly rich and deeply affirming experience. The insights, whakaaro, and research presented were absolute gold!”
Bobi Te Runa, Ngāti Mihiroa
“Realising our pōtential, my pōtential. Listening to others present their research, witnessing various ways of presenting and researching – an honour to be part of this Symposium. This experience has validated the need to write, write, write! Publish, research and record it all. PhD here I come!”
Piri Galbraith, Kurawaka Limited
“High calibre of keynote speakers and presenters, good supplementary resources—programmes, itinerary, merchandise, good catering, good venue, friendly welcome, positive atmosphere. I had a great time and took away memorable connections and learnings to add to my kete. Professor Suzanne Pitama’s kōrero on Te Kupenga o Te Huki was outstanding.”
Anaru Hodges, Health New Zealand Te Matau a Māui
“The mauri of manaakitanga infused all levels of the conference, making it a Ngāti Kahungunu celebratory experience of warm delight and inspiration. Excellent organisation and well run.”
Waireti Roesetenburg, Te Wānanga Wairua Māori & The Open Polytechnic
“Te renarena i te taukaea o ngā matemate-ā-one.”
Hone Morris, Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University
“Hearing what our other Kahungunu researchers are doing was extremely awe inspiring, and as an uri of Kahungunu, I was so proud of everyone and enjoyed listening to all of our kaikōrero. There was genuine sharing and caring across the hui. It was great to reacquaint myself with former colleagues and whanaunga. Well done to Te Kura i Awarua, Te Ūranga Waka, and Te Aho-a-Māui for bringing us all together and for the mahi you do for all of Kahungunu.”