| dc.description.abstract | This research examines the relevance of traditional Māori leadership concepts and practices
through investigating the commonalities and differences that exist with contemporary Māori
leadership. Currently, there is some debate regarding the value of traditional Māori leadership
principles during contemporary times, and this study contributes to those discussions. In this
study, I look at traditional Māori leadership through the eyes of one of the most prominent
Māori leaders from a past era—Te Rauparaha as a case study, and I use semi-structured in-
depth interviews with four contemporary Māori leaders to garner leadership traits. Taking an
inductive approach that utilises interpretivist and kaupapa Māori methodology paradigms, I
investigate the tensions that Māori leadership faces entering a new decade, 180 years on from
the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi.
My research shows that the core principles of Māori leadership remain entirely relevant in a
contemporary context. The findings highlight the vital role a leader has within Māori society,
whether it is with family, extended family or within the broader kindred community at a tribal
level, as well as in non-Māori contexts. Māori leaders past and present, view people as their
highest priority. They are not a commodity or currency but those for whom a leader must
provide, protect, and care for through their leadership skills and abilities. There is a range of
issues facing Māori leadership today, which makes traditional Māori values appear less
prevalent; however, beliefs such as unity, hospitality, reciprocity, legacy and gender roles still
have relevance and hold meaning for Māori. The signing of the Treaty of Waitangi has not
future-proofed Māori from leadership uncertainty, nor non-Māori hegemonic control, but it is
evident that when Māori remain steadfast to their ethnicity and te ao Māori (the Māori
world), they can ensure that Māori leadership for their people and people in general, has a place in the future. | en |
