A Relational Power-Sharing Model: Working as Indigenous in Another’s Territory

• In Event: Kāī Kea: Issues in Indigenous Self-Determination

Abstract

In New Zealand, traditional Western research continues to maintain political power and authority. Kaupapa Māori theory has responded by examining the effects of colonisation, power and social inequalities, and challenging western ideas about what constitutes research and knowledge (Smith, 1999). Māori demands for self-determination have generated the need for identifying the locus of power in research. Bishop (1996, 2005) does this by using critical questions to evaluate issues of initiation, benefits, representation, legitimation and accountability.
This paper discusses the application of this relational, power-sharing model when invited to apply a kaupapa Māori initiative with people in their own territories. It contends that for the same reasons, issues of power and control must also be taken into consideration in these settings.

Authors

• Mere Berryman, University of Waikato

• Alan Russell Bishop, University of Waikato