Making space for kaupapa Māori within the academy

Abstract

Eketone’s target article, ‘The theoretical underpinnings of Kaupapa Māori directed practice’ makes a significant contribution to a nascent literature on Kaupapa Māori theory. He offers a model that integrates Critical Theory and constructivism (particularly Native theory), and this dual-pronged approach is both complementary and sensible. More importantly, the model helps to clarify the objectives of Kaupapa Māori theory and practice, thereby achieving a more just society via emancipatory action in pursuit of Māori advancement and development ‘as Māori’. While there is value in the potential utility of the proposed model, one can challenge the assumption implied in Eketones’ use of the term ‘the Māori community’. Eketone has raised the issue of whether or not centring Kaupapa Māori within western theoretical frameworks is regressive or progressive to the advancement of Māori peoples. The answer could be that both are possible and the question certainly deserves further consideration. Finally, I draw attention to what may be the greatest challenge for those who seek to advance the goals of Kaupapa Māori in ‘making space’ within the academy.