This guided inquiry project develops case study research methods and leadership analysis skills focused on contemporary Māori leadership.

Researching Contemporary Māori Leadership Models

šŸŒŸ He WhakataukÄ«

"Kaua e rangiruatia te hā o te hoe; e kore to tātou waka e ū ki uta"

Don't lift the paddle out of unison; our canoe will not reach the shore

This whakataukī speaks to collective leadership and working together toward common goals. As you research contemporary Māori leaders, consider how they balance individual vision with collective responsibility and cultural values.

šŸ” About This Case Study Research Project

In this project, you'll research a contemporary Māori leader using case study methodology. This develops advanced research skills including: in-depth analysis, multiple source synthesis, pattern recognition, and evidence-based conclusion drawing.

You will:

  • Select a contemporary Māori leader for in-depth case study
  • Apply cultural leadership analysis frameworks
  • Gather multiple source types (interviews, speeches, articles, social media)
  • Analyze leadership style, impact, and cultural authenticity
  • Compare with traditional and Western leadership models
  • Present findings using professional research formats

šŸ“‹ Research Skills Focus:

This project teaches case study research methodology - a key academic and professional skill. You'll learn to gather diverse evidence, identify patterns, and build compelling arguments about complex individuals.

Stage 1: Understand Māori Leadership Frameworks

Before choosing your leader, understand the cultural frameworks that guide Māori leadership. These are different from Western leadership models:

šŸŒ± Rangatiratanga (Chiefly Leadership)

Traditional leadership based on mana, whakapapa, and service to people. Leaders earn respect through wisdom, generosity, and putting collective wellbeing first.

Key traits: Humility, cultural knowledge, relationship-building, serving others before self

šŸ¤ Collective Leadership

Leadership is shared and decisions involve extensive consultation. Leaders facilitate collective wisdom rather than imposing individual will.

Key traits: Listening skills, consensus-building, patience, inclusive decision-making

šŸŒ Kaitiakitanga Leadership

Leadership as guardianship - protecting people, culture, and environment for future generations. Decisions consider impact on mokopuna (grandchildren).

Key traits: Long-term thinking, environmental consciousness, cultural preservation, intergenerational responsibility

āš” Transformational Leadership

Modern Māori leaders often blend traditional values with contemporary change-making. They transform systems while staying culturally grounded.

Key traits: Vision for change, cultural authenticity, innovation, bridging worlds

šŸ“ Reflection: Which leadership framework interests you most and why?

Stage 2: Select Your Contemporary Māori Leader

Choose ONE contemporary Māori leader (active in the last 30 years) for your case study. Select someone who:

āœ… Good Case Study Criteria:

  • Has sufficient documented information (interviews, speeches, articles)
  • Shows clear leadership impact and achievements
  • Demonstrates cultural authenticity and Māori values
  • Works in an area that interests you (politics, business, arts, activism, sports, etc.)
  • Has publicly available information about their leadership approach

šŸŒŸ Suggested Leader Categories (Choose ONE person from ANY category):

šŸ›ļø Political/Treaty Leaders:

Dame Tariana Turia, Nanaia Mahuta, Winston Peters, Marama Davidson, Sir Tipene O'Regan, Merata Mita, Moana Jackson, Linda Tuhiwai Smith

šŸ’¼ Business/Economic Leaders:

Sir Kiingi Tuheitia, Kingi Smiler, Dame Susan Devoy, Rob Campbell, Pania Newton, Che Wilson, Liza McNally

šŸŽØ Cultural/Arts Leaders:

Taika Waititi, Cliff Curtis, Tame Iti, Temuera Morrison, Kiri Te Kanawa, Hinewehi Mohi, Maisey Rika, Stan Walker

āš” Activism/Social Change Leaders:

Tina Ngata, Julia Whaipooti, Mike Smith, Anahera Herbert-Graves, Jen Margaret, Catherine Delahunty (Māori adoption), Tame Iti

šŸƒā€ā™‚ļø Sports/Health Leaders:

Dame Valerie Adams, Lisa Carrington, Richie McCaw (Māori heritage), Bevan Docherty, Mason Durie (health), Merata Mita (health activism)

šŸŒ± Environmental/Kaitiakitanga Leaders:

Tame Malcolm, Catherine Iorns, Mere Takoko, Tina Ngata (climate), Stephanie Mills, or a local environmental leader from your region

šŸ’” Research Tip:

You can also choose a contemporary leader from your own region/iwi if they have enough public information. Check with your teacher first to ensure adequate sources are available.

šŸ“ MY CHOSEN LEADER:

Name:

Why I chose this person:

Stage 3: Develop Your Case Study Research Question

Your research question should guide your investigation of this leader's impact, methods, and cultural authenticity. A strong case study question explores HOW and WHY rather than just WHAT.

šŸŽÆ Example Research Questions by Leadership Focus:

Cultural Leadership Example:

"How does Taika Waititi balance global Hollywood success with authentic Māori storytelling, and what impact has this had on Māori representation in international media?"

Political Leadership Example:

"How has Nanaia Mahuta's approach to co-governance challenged traditional political structures, and what does this reveal about evolving Māori political leadership?"

Activism Leadership Example:

"How does Tina Ngata combine traditional kaitiakitanga values with modern climate activism, and what makes her approach different from non-Indigenous environmental movements?"

āœ… Strong Case Study Questions:

  • Focus on HOW and WHY
  • Examine leadership methods/approaches
  • Consider cultural authenticity
  • Explore impact and influence
  • Can be answered with available evidence

āŒ Weak Case Study Questions:

  • Just ask for biographical facts
  • Can be answered with Wikipedia
  • Too broad or vague
  • Make judgments without analysis
  • Don't connect to leadership themes

šŸ“ MY CASE STUDY RESEARCH QUESTION:

Stage 4: Gather Multiple Source Types

For a strong case study, you need triangulation - multiple source types that give you different perspectives on your leader. Aim for 6-8 diverse sources.

šŸ“š Required Source Types (get at least ONE from each category):

Source Type Examples What It Reveals
Direct Voice Interviews, speeches, social media posts, autobiography Leader's own perspective
External Analysis News articles, academic papers, documentaries Outside perspectives on impact
Action Evidence Policy documents, project outcomes, voting records Concrete achievements
Community Response Public reactions, awards, criticism, support How others view their leadership

šŸ“Š Source Collection Record

Source Details Type Key Information for Research Question
Source #1:
Source #2:
Source #3:
Source #4:

Continue this record for Sources #5, #6, #7, and #8 on additional pages...

Stage 5: Apply Leadership Analysis Framework

Use this framework to systematically analyze your leader. This helps you organize evidence and identify patterns:

šŸŽÆ LEADERSHIP METHODS & STYLE

1. How does this leader make decisions? (Individual vs collective, consultation process, etc.)

2. How do they communicate their vision? (Language, storytelling, symbols, media use)

3. How do they build relationships and coalitions? (Networks, partnerships, community engagement)

šŸŒ± CULTURAL AUTHENTICITY

1. How does this leader incorporate Māori values in their work? (Specific examples)

2. How do they balance cultural authenticity with mainstream/global contexts?

3. How does their iwi/community view their leadership? (Evidence of cultural legitimacy)

šŸ“Š IMPACT & ACHIEVEMENTS

1. What concrete changes has this leader achieved? (Policy, cultural, social, economic)

2. How have they influenced other Māori leaders or the broader community?

3. What challenges or failures have they faced, and how did they respond?

Stage 6: Synthesize Your Case Study Findings

Bring together your research to answer your question and draw broader conclusions about contemporary Māori leadership:

šŸ§© CASE STUDY CONCLUSION

Based on your evidence, how would you answer your research question?

What makes this leader's approach distinctively Māori? What makes it contemporary/modern?

šŸ”„ COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS

How does this leader compare to traditional rangatira? What's similar/different?

How does their style compare to typical Western/Pākehā leaders in similar roles?

šŸ”® BROADER IMPLICATIONS

What does this case study reveal about the future of Māori leadership in Aotearoa?

What lessons could other leaders (Māori or non-Māori) learn from this person's approach?

Stage 7: Present Your Case Study

Choose a professional presentation format that showcases your research methodology and findings:

šŸ“Š Academic Case Study Report

2,500-3,000 words with executive summary, methodology section, analysis, conclusions, and bibliography. Follow academic formatting.

šŸŽ¬ Leadership Profile Documentary

15-20 minute professional video combining interviews, archival footage, expert commentary, and your analytical voice-over.

šŸ“° Magazine Feature Profile

Professional magazine-style feature (3,000-4,000 words) with photos, pull-quotes, sidebars, and infographics about leadership impact.

šŸŽ¤ Conference Presentation

20-minute academic conference-style presentation with slides, followed by Q&A. Include research poster as visual aid.

My chosen presentation format:

āœ… Assessment Rubric - Case Study Research Skills

Criteria Developing Achieved Excelling
Research Question Basic question seeking factual information Focused analytical question about leadership approach Sophisticated question connecting methods, culture, and impact
Source Variety Limited source types; mainly secondary Good variety across required categories Excellent triangulation with high-quality sources
Leadership Analysis Basic description of leader's actions Systematic analysis using framework; identifies patterns Deep analysis of methods, authenticity, and impact
Cultural Understanding Limited connection to Māori leadership concepts Good understanding of cultural authenticity Sophisticated analysis of cultural innovation vs tradition
Evidence Integration Sources cited but not well integrated Evidence supports analysis; clear connection to conclusions Seamless integration; triangulation demonstrates rigorous research
Comparative Analysis Minimal comparison to other leadership models Clear comparison to traditional and Western leadership Nuanced comparative analysis with broader implications
Presentation Quality Basic organization and communication Professional presentation with clear structure Engaging, sophisticated presentation showing mastery