TOKTALK Spotlights Diverse Māori and Pacific Research Approaches at University of Auckland

The University of Auckland's TOKTALK series is making waves in New Zealand's higher education landscape by providing a vibrant platform for Māori and Pacific researchers to share their innovative methodologies. The upcoming third event, scheduled for Thursday, April 2, 2026, from 5pm to 8pm at the iconic Fale Pasifika, promises to spotlight the diverse ways these scholars generate knowledge that resonates deeply with their communities.74

This gathering, hosted by Fofonga for Pacific Research Excellence in collaboration with Māori researchers for the first time, features rapid seven-minute PechaKucha-style presentations. Attendees can expect insights into methodologies shaping research across health, environment, culture, and community wellbeing. Speakers include luminaries like Professor Te Kawehau Hoskins, Pro Vice-Chancellor Māori, alongside Dr Ngahuia Harrison, Professor Sarah-Jane Paine, Associate Professor Dan Hikuroa, and emerging talents such as Ayla Hoeta and Nona Taute.

TOKTALK embodies a relational approach, where presenters often start by honoring their family, upbringing, and communities—the 'why' driving their work. As Dr Charmaine ‘Ilaiū Talei, director of Fofonga, notes, it's about talking plainly yet effectively about research, making it relatable and human amid academic pressures.74

The Origins and Evolution of TOKTALK

Launched in early 2025 by Fofonga for Pacific Research Excellence, TOKTALK quickly became a cornerstone for Pacific scholars at Waipapa Taumata Rau, the University of Auckland's te reo Māori name. The initiative addresses a need for informal spaces where postgraduate students, early-career researchers, and staff can connect, share ideas, and foster collaborations without the rigidity of traditional conferences.71

The first event celebrated recipients of the TUBU Researcher Capability Fund, while the second in August 2025, partnered with the Faculty of Arts and Education, covered topics like girl gaming, ancient taro cultivation, Siva Sāmoa embodiment, and digital vā on Instagram. Associate Professor Gordon Nanau from Māori and Pacific Studies was among the presenters, hinting at the series' growing inclusivity.

Now in its third iteration, TOKTALK expands to explicitly include Māori voices, recognizing the intersections and unique nuances of both knowledge systems. Research Programme Manager Ioana Hill emphasizes how this culturally diverse space values researchers' dual connections to Māori and Pacific worlds, promoting sustainable impact.74

Kaupapa Māori: Centering Indigenous Worldviews

Kaupapa Māori research methodology, a cornerstone of Māori scholarship, prioritizes Māori knowledge, language, and culture while challenging colonial assumptions. At the University of Auckland, this approach empowers Indigenous communities by centering their worldviews in inquiry processes. It involves principles like whanaungatanga (relationships), manaakitanga (hospitality), and kotahitanga (unity), ensuring research benefits whānau (extended family) and iwi (tribes).51

Professor Te Kawehau Hoskins, a key speaker, exemplifies this through her work on Māori education and leadership. Associate Professor Dan Hikuroa integrates mātauranga Māori (Māori knowledge) with Western science for environmental solutions, such as geothermal energy and water management. These methodologies transform higher education by making research relevant and accountable to Māori realities, addressing inequities in health and land stewardship.

Statistics underscore the impact: Māori PhD graduates from New Zealand universities, including Auckland, report improved career trajectories and community outcomes, reducing disparities.85

Pacific Methodologies: Talanoa, Tok Stori, and Relational Knowing

Pacific research draws on concepts like talanoa (inclusive conversation from Tonga/Fiji), tok stori (storytelling from Melanesia), and vā (relational space from Samoa). These emphasize collective storytelling, respect, and context over individualistic data extraction. At Auckland, they enable nuanced explorations of Pacific diaspora experiences.61

• Talanoa: Builds trust through open dialogue, ideal for health studies on Pacific youth mental wellbeing.
• Tok Stori: Facilitates shared narratives, used in environmental research on climate impacts.
• Fonofale Model: A Samoan holistic framework mirroring Te Whare Tapa Whā for health research.

Speakers like Associate Professor Sam Manuela apply these in psychology and community resilience, while Dr Emalani Case explores Pacific futures amid climate change. Fofonga's initiatives, such as the AFI Pacific Partnership Programme, fund these approaches, forging ties across the Moana Nui (Pacific Ocean).107

Photo by Amanda Jones on Unsplash

Spotlight on Presenters: Health, Environment, and Culture

The lineup reflects interdisciplinary excellence. In health, Professor Sarah-Jane Paine investigates Pacific sleep disparities, informing interventions. Professor Jemaima Tiatia-Siau, Pro Vice-Chancellor Pacific, addresses youth suicide prevention.

Environmental themes feature Dr Sisikula Sisifa on Pacific conservation and Teresa Brown on sustainable practices. Cultural presentations from Laki Tiatia and Esmeralda Lo Tam highlight performing arts and identity.

Early-career voices like Ayla Hoeta and Nona Taute bring fresh perspectives on decolonizing education and community wellbeing. Hosted by Professors Hoskins and Tiatia-Siau, the event fosters mentorship and sparks collaborations.95

University of Auckland's Leadership in Indigenous Research

Waipapa Taumata Rau leads nationally, with 33% of top researchers and significant funding for Māori/Pacific PhDs. Faculties like Arts host transdisciplinary projects in Dance Studies and Music, blending mātauranga Māori with Oceanic arts.73

In health, the Pacific Health Section collaborates regionally, while Engineering integrates Indigenous knowledge for sustainability. Yet, challenges persist: Māori/Pacific STEM postgrads face racism and tokenism, highlighting needs for equitable support.75

TOKTALK counters this by building networks, aligning with strategies to boost University Entrance attainment from 34% to parity.87

Challenges Facing Māori and Pacific Researchers

Despite progress, barriers include underrepresentation—Māori/Pacific comprise ~27% of NZ but fewer in academia—and funding biases favoring Western paradigms. Marginalization in STEM, workload inequities, and cultural mismatches hinder thriving.78

NZ universities grapple with retaining talent, as Pacific completion rates lag despite rising participation. TOKTALK addresses isolation by creating 'sacred spaces' for pukepuke manatū (sharing thoughts).

Opportunities and Community Impacts

PhD attainment yields big gains: Māori/Pacific doctorates enhance economic mobility and health outcomes, with ripple effects in communities.77

Examples include relational health models improving Māori access (PMC study) and Pacific HPV research. Fofonga's partnerships extend to SPREP, amplifying regional influence.

Future PhDs could drive policy, as seen in Te Whare Tapa Whā influencing national health strategies.

Photo by Zulfugar Karimov on Unsplash

Future Outlook: Collaborations Across the Moana

TOKTALK signals deeper Māori-Pacific synergies, vital amid climate threats and inequities. Auckland's vision includes more funding like AFI, targeting Pacific-led projects with Australian partners.113

As NZ universities commit to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, events like this nurture leadership, ensuring research serves whānau and moana.

Why Events Like TOKTALK Matter for Higher Education

In NZ's diverse academe, indigenous methodologies enrich global scholarship, offering holistic solutions to wicked problems. By humanizing research, TOKTALK inspires students and attracts talent, positioning Auckland as a beacon for Pacific excellence.

Whether you're a researcher, student, or community member, attending fosters connections that transcend disciplines, embodying the relational ethos at TOKTALK's heart.