In this publication of firsts, 24 Māori preeminent scholars bravely share their personal journeys, revealing what being Māori has meant for them in their academic careers. Their perspectives provide insight for all New Zealanders into how mātaurang knowledge – is positively influencing the Western-dominated learning disciplines.

‘It is a shameful fact,’ says co-editor Jacinta Ruru in her introduction to Ngā Kete Mātauranga, ‘that in 2020, only about five percent of academic staff at universities in Aotearoa New Zealand are Māori.’

‘The book demonstrates the power, energy and diversity that can be brought out into the world by Māori scholars working both comfortably and uncomfortably from within, without and across diverse academic disciplines and mātauranga Māori.’ – Professor Linda Tuhiwai Smith