Dr. Daniel Hikuroa from Māori and Pacific Studies at the University of Auckland talks about his big question, “Why are we killing our rivers?”

Hikuroa’s research addresses fundamental foundations and applications of knowledge, particularly with respect to integrating mātauranga Māori and science. His work explores the similarities and differences between indigenous knowledges and science, the underpinning ontologies (ways of being), and the epistemologies (ways of knowing). His research includes how concepts of mauri contribute to ideas about “life”, kinship as practical ontology, how indigenous concepts can be integrated with techno-scientific rationales to imagine new futures for our rivers and waterways, and Māori concepts of time, space and the “universe”.

Daniel Hikuroa is a Senior Lecturer in Māori Studies at the University of Auckland. He is an expert in earth systems science.

This is part one of the Big Q’s “Big Question” video series. For more, click here.


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Disclaimer: The ideas expressed in this video reflect the views of the lecturer and not necessarily the views of The Big Q.