Te Ipukarea Research Institute

Permanent link for this collectionhttp://hdl.handle.net/10292/21190

Te Ipukarea Research Institute was established in 2008, and is hosted by the Auckland University of Technology (AUT). The main focus of Te Ipukarea's research is Māori language, culture, and knowledge.

Our research focus is represented by four pou (pillars):

Te Whare o Rongomaurikura - Centre for Language Revitalisation includes language documentation, planning, policy, teaching and learning, and the normalisation of the Māori language in Aotearoa/New Zealand.

Taonga Tuku Iho refers to our traditional knowledge, including the oral tradition and arts.

Tino Rangatiratanga, which is a phrase from Te Tiriti o Waitangi (Treaty of Waitangi) that refers to Māori self-determination, includes research on Indigenous Peoples' rights, governance, education, well-being and policy.

Te Moana Nui is our pou that situates our research within 'our sea of islands' with a focus on comparative studies, the diaspora, environments and sustainability.

Our guiding whakataukī is ‘whakatepea te kō’ which highlights our strategic team approach, including the weaving together of a research and community based agenda. Te Ipukarea also aims to be a space where Indigenous epistemologies and world-views are nurtured within the academy.

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Now showing 1 - 5 of 5

Exploring the Potential of Low-Barrier AI Tools for Culturally Responsive STEM Learning: Early Māori and Pacific Learner Insights
(MDPI AG, 2026-05-21) Williams, Toiroa; Nguyen, Minh; Ka'ai, Tania; Vallayil, Manju; Tukimata, Nogiata; Smith-Henderson, Tania
Recent advances in large language models (LLMs) have enabled new forms of software creation through natural-language interaction. However, many AI-assisted coding tools continue to assume familiarity with development environments, programming workflows, and technical conventions, which may limit accessibility for early-stage learners and communities historically underrepresented in digital participation. This challenge is particularly relevant in Aotearoa New Zealand, where Māori and Pacific peoples remain underrepresented across STEM and technology pathways. This paper introduces TechTahi, a browser-based, syntax-free AI-assisted platform designed to support low-barrier digital creation through natural-language prompts and immediate in-browser previews. The study had two aims: to describe the design rationale and workflow of TechTahi and to explore early learner perceptions following initial use of the platform. An exploratory pilot design was employed. Five participants completed a post-use survey after hands-on interaction with TechTahi. Responses were analysed descriptively, with open-ended feedback reviewed for recurring themes. Findings suggested generally positive perceptions of accessibility and ease of use, particularly the ability to create working applications without prior coding knowledge. Participants also identified opportunities for culturally relevant features, including language support and locally meaningful design elements, alongside areas for improvement such as clearer onboarding guidance and reduced information density. These preliminary findings suggest that syntax-free, culturally responsive AI creation tools may offer promising pathways for widening participation in digital learning. Further research with larger and more diverse samples is needed to evaluate longer-term educational impact.
Global to Local: Understanding Models of Community Language Revitalisation for Pacific Languages in Aotearoa New Zealand – A Literature Review
(Te Ipukarea Research Institute, 2021-09-21) Ka'ai, Tania; Tukimata, Nogiata; Smith-Henderson, Tania
Ki Te Tahatū O Te Rangi: Normalising Te Reo Māori Across Non-traditional Māori Language Domains
(Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Māori, 2019-06-27) Ka'ai, Tania; Smith, T; Haar, J; Ravenswood, K
Background In 2018, Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Māori (The Māori Language Commission) commissioned the New Zealand Work Research Institute (NZWRI) and Te Ipukarea (The National Māori Language Institute) to explore the integration of Māori language and culture in organisations across New Zealand. This research identifies why organisations use, support and champion the use of te reo me ngā tikanga Māori (Māori language and culture) in Aotearoa, and the challenges that prevent them from doing so. Understanding the drivers and barriers of te reo Māori (Māori language), terminology and tikanga Māori (Māori culture) workplace usage is a crucial element for achieving a greater use of Māori language across New Zealand society.
Revitalising Indigenous Languages
(Te Ipukarea, Auckland University of Technology, 2014-05-15) Ka'ai, Tania; Ka'ai-Mahuta, R
The National Māori Language Institute (see http://teipukarea.maori.nz) and The International Centre for Language Revitalisation (see http://languagerevive.org) at AUT University, Aotearoa/New Zealand are committed to the revitalization of Indigenous languages. This side-event will focus on the work being carried out in the Institute and the Centre including: the creation of digital resources, collaboration with Indigenous communities, educating and upskilling future language revitalization strategists and supporting the right to language.
Ngā Kupu Arotau - Eweri Tāima: Loanwords in Māori 1842-1952
(Te Ara Poutama, Auckland University of Technology, 2009-01-12) Ka'ai, Tania; Moorfield, J. C.
Māori has adopted a significant number of loanwords that have enriched the language. Following a description of the loanwords project and the database, it will be shown that words borrowed into Māori adapt to not only the phonological system but also the grammatical system of Māori. As expected, a loanword is not likely to have exactly the same connotations as the foreign word from which it has been borrowed. It may have more restricted meanings or have taken on new meanings and connotations not encompassed by the foreign word from which it is derived. A major outcome of the project has been the collection of a large database of loanwords from the Māori-language newspapers, the Paipera Tapu (the Māori Bible) and a few other 19th century sources. This database has been converted to an historical loanwords dictionary now available free online.

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