Dr Deborah Heke is recruiting participants for her research project: Ngā Pou Māreikura: Developing a model of (well)being and belonging with te taiao.
What is the project about? This research explores how wāhine Māori connect to te taiao through everyday and embodied practices. Led by Dr Deborah Heke, the project aims to co-develop a Mana Wahine model of wellbeing through movement-based interviews, collaborative knowledge sharing, and creative experiences.
Is this for you? You may be a great fit if you are:
What does participation involve?
Deb invites you to lead her in a movement-based interview, an activity connected to your expertise and your relationship with the natural world. Take her on a walk, get her in a waka, teach her to weave, dive, hunt, or harvest... she's keen to give anything a go!
About Dr Deborah Heke
Associate Professor Deborah Heke (Ngāpuhi, Te Arawa) is the Director of Ngā Wai a Te Tūī Māori and Indigenous Research Centre at Unitec. With a background in Exercise Physiology, Psychology, and Public Health, her current research centres on Mana Wahine scholarship. Recent work includes an exploration of Māori and Indigenous women’s embodied practices and physical activity in te taiao as a means for connecting, communicating, and healing. Deborah is also passionate about building the capability and capacity of Māori and Indigenous (future) scholars and providing spaces for Indigenous creativity and excellence in academia. She is an alumna of Auckland University of Technology, MAI ki Aronui, and the Eke Tangaroa Māori and Pacific Early Career Academic programme at AUT. She currently leads Te Kupenga o MAI as MAI Strategy Lead.
To find out more or express your interest: Email Deborah at dheke@unitec.ac.nz
