Breakout Session 1 - 16th September at 12:25 - 1:05

Education leadership: Insights on identity from Te Ao Māori

Abstract

Inequities for Māori in Aotearoa New Zealand are evident across many areas including education. Leadership is required to contribute to positive change in the education sector (Spiller et al., 2015). Research on positional leadership is important however non-positional leadership such as leadership on the marae or leadership with whanau, hapu and iwi is highly valued (Ruru, 2016; Wirihana, 2012). Research illustrates that there is a strong link for Māori between identity and leadership. That is, for Māori, knowing ourselves, our values and our whakapapa is vitally important (Forster et al., 2015; Tapiata et al., 2020). This presentation draws on a qualitative research project examining the origins of leadership. Mana wahine, feminist theory and a narrative inquiry approach were used to examine the story of one Māori woman. It is argued that practices that inform and build our understanding of ourselves are effective in building our identity and developing a sense of security. Knowing and celebrating our whakapapa is important for Māori and is a central way that individuals develop strength. This presentation argues that Māori leadership has lessons and insights for leaders and leadership in an educational context.

Biography