title: Decolonising legal research: Developing legal theory to articulate Māori and non-Māori legal research paradigms equitably

authors: Hasan-Stein, Linda

abstract: Māori and non-Māori legal research paradigms in Aotearoa New Zealand are separated by a considerable theoretical knowledge gap. Māori knowledge systems are generally not well known in a non-Māori context. In order to bridge this theoretical knowledge gap jurisprudential studies need to address this gap from Māori and non-Māori perspectives. Doing so enables the development of decolonised legal research paradigms which allow for the sharing of knowledge from positions of respect. In this work, a new theoretical interpretation of legal research paradigms in our jurisprudence is presented, relying on an interdisciplinary approach to support these interpretive strategies. 

Beginning with the understanding that knowledge is empowering for both Māori and non-Māori, I foreground the epistemological character of decolonising legal research that supports Linda Tuhiwai Smith’s call for research to be conceived differently and highlight the need for an integrated recognition of kaupapa Māori in the development of legal theory in Aotearoa New Zealand. Reimagining our laws as something more than ‘sovereignty’ is the first step in narrowing the current theoretical knowledge gap. I translate the broader language of colonialism into the more specific vocabulary of the criminal justice system, in order to make more visible the manner in which Eurocentrism permeates decolonising legal research and stifles the potential future social development of Māori. 

Since Linda Tuhiwai Smith’s call to decolonise research, significant progress has been made with regard to the inclusion of principles of tikanga Māori to guide legal research that includes Māori. However, transforming principles of tikanga Māori into our jurisprudential landscape is a complex task. It is increasingly recognised that understanding the key principles of tikanga Māori is not always sufficient and that a greater theoretical understanding of decolonising legal principles is needed. I will analyse theoretical features of research epistemologies with the goal of grasping the complex array of historically-specific practices through which particular dimensions of our socio-legal experience are produced. 

Finally, I will explore how an interdisciplinary approach enables us to link forms of subjectivity to forms of objectivity in a distinctively “cultural” way, by working through difference rather than against it, and by acknowledging as meaningful each law’s characteristic discursive formation. 

This work is written as an intervention in Eurocentrism, aimed at providing a fresh interpretation of decolonising legal research. On this level, the most important argumentative thread is the one that demonstrates how Eurocentrism can be read as a colonising tool, which deploys positions that marginalise Indigenous knowledge. By unpacking Eurocentrism’s complex meaning it is possible to refashion Eurocentrism to include the notions of “partnerships”, that value subjective experience over objective, and that, in reality, include “Indigenous cultural” qualities. 

This style of decolonising jurisprudence pushes strenuously for a legal paradigm shift towards a culturally safe space for all legal scholars, not just Māori; a shift that could encourage our legal theory to converge in a more holistic way. The most important argumentative threads are those centred on the inclusion of Indigenous arguments, and the emergent character of decolonising legal research categories such as whanaungatanga or relational accountability. This type of innovative legal interpretation offers the possibility for a new theoretical era for decolonising legal research.

text: Decolonising legal research: Developing legal theory to articulate Māori and non-Māori legal research paradigms equitably Māori and non-Māori legal research paradigms in Aotearoa New Zealand are separated by a considerable theoretical knowledge gap. Māori knowledge systems are generally not well known in a non-Māori context. In order to bridge this theoretical knowledge gap jurisprudential studies need to address this gap from Māori and non-Māori perspectives. Doing so enables the development of decolonised legal research paradigms which allow for the sharing of knowledge from positions of respect. In this work, a new theoretical interpretation of legal research paradigms in our jurisprudence is presented, relying on an interdisciplinary approach to support these interpretive strategies. 

Beginning with the understanding that knowledge is empowering for both Māori and non-Māori, I foreground the epistemological character of decolonising legal research that supports Linda Tuhiwai Smith’s call for research to be conceived differently and highlight the need for an integrated recognition of kaupapa Māori in the development of legal theory in Aotearoa New Zealand. Reimagining our laws as something more than ‘sovereignty’ is the first step in narrowing the current theoretical knowledge gap. I translate the broader language of colonialism into the more specific vocabulary of the criminal justice system, in order to make more visible the manner in which Eurocentrism permeates decolonising legal research and stifles the potential future social development of Māori. 

Since Linda Tuhiwai Smith’s call to decolonise research, significant progress has been made with regard to the inclusion of principles of tikanga Māori to guide legal research that includes Māori. However, transforming principles of tikanga Māori into our jurisprudential landscape is a complex task. It is increasingly recognised that understanding the key principles of tikanga Māori is not always sufficient and that a greater theoretical understanding of decolonising legal principles is needed. I will analyse theoretical features of research epistemologies with the goal of grasping the complex array of historically-specific practices through which particular dimensions of our socio-legal experience are produced. 

Finally, I will explore how an interdisciplinary approach enables us to link forms of subjectivity to forms of objectivity in a distinctively “cultural” way, by working through difference rather than against it, and by acknowledging as meaningful each law’s characteristic discursive formation. 

This work is written as an intervention in Eurocentrism, aimed at providing a fresh interpretation of decolonising legal research. On this level, the most important argumentative thread is the one that demonstrates how Eurocentrism can be read as a colonising tool, which deploys positions that marginalise Indigenous knowledge. By unpacking Eurocentrism’s complex meaning it is possible to refashion Eurocentrism to include the notions of “partnerships”, that value subjective experience over objective, and that, in reality, include “Indigenous cultural” qualities. 

This style of decolonising jurisprudence pushes strenuously for a legal paradigm shift towards a culturally safe space for all legal scholars, not just Māori; a shift that could encourage our legal theory to converge in a more holistic way. The most important argumentative threads are those centred on the inclusion of Indigenous arguments, and the emergent character of decolonising legal research categories such as whanaungatanga or relational accountability. This type of innovative legal interpretation offers the possibility for a new theoretical era for decolonising legal research.

year: 2026

title: Mental health of people of diverse genders and sexualities in Aotearoa/New Zealand: Findings from the New Zealand Mental Health Monitor

authors: Tan, Kyle K. H.

subjects: Science & Technology

abstract: Issues addressed: To examine mental health inequities, and social exclusion and isolation and protective factor differences between people of diverse genders and sexualities (lesbian/gay, bisexual, gender diverse, and takatāpui) and cisgender and heterosexual people in Aotearoa/New Zealand.  Methods: We employed data from the pooled probability sample of 2016 and 2018 New Zealand Mental Health Monitor. The sample comprised of 2,938 people at least 15 years old, of which 93 had diverse gender and sexuality identities. Generalised linear models were used to test for differences in mental health (current and lifetime mental distress, depression, anxiety, self-harm and suicide), social exclusion and isolation, and friend and family support for people of diverse genders and sexualities. We also conducted exploratory linear regression analyses to examine whether mental health difficulties were associated with social exclusion and isolation and friend/family support.  Results: People of diverse genders and sexualities had high rates of mental health difficulties across all variables we examined. For example, people identifying as diverse genders and sexualities had three times the risk of considering self-harm and suicide than their cisgender and heterosexual counterparts (22% vs 5%; RR = 3.12). People of diverse genders and sexualities also scored an average of 6.08 points higher on the 27-point PHQ-9 depression scale when they had experienced social isolation, and 4.01 points higher when they experienced social exclusion. Conclusion: Our results are consistent with current literature on the large mental health inequities faced by people of diverse genders and sexualities.  So what?: Policy makers and healthcare providers in Aotearoa/New Zealand should consider the negative mental health consequences of social exclusion and isolation for people of diverse genders and sexualities.

text: Mental health of people of diverse genders and sexualities in Aotearoa/New Zealand: Findings from the New Zealand Mental Health Monitor Issues addressed: To examine mental health inequities, and social exclusion and isolation and protective factor differences between people of diverse genders and sexualities (lesbian/gay, bisexual, gender diverse, and takatāpui) and cisgender and heterosexual people in Aotearoa/New Zealand.  Methods: We employed data from the pooled probability sample of 2016 and 2018 New Zealand Mental Health Monitor. The sample comprised of 2,938 people at least 15 years old, of which 93 had diverse gender and sexuality identities. Generalised linear models were used to test for differences in mental health (current and lifetime mental distress, depression, anxiety, self-harm and suicide), social exclusion and isolation, and friend and family support for people of diverse genders and sexualities. We also conducted exploratory linear regression analyses to examine whether mental health difficulties were associated with social exclusion and isolation and friend/family support.  Results: People of diverse genders and sexualities had high rates of mental health difficulties across all variables we examined. For example, people identifying as diverse genders and sexualities had three times the risk of considering self-harm and suicide than their cisgender and heterosexual counterparts (22% vs 5%; RR = 3.12). People of diverse genders and sexualities also scored an average of 6.08 points higher on the 27-point PHQ-9 depression scale when they had experienced social isolation, and 4.01 points higher when they experienced social exclusion. Conclusion: Our results are consistent with current literature on the large mental health inequities faced by people of diverse genders and sexualities.  So what?: Policy makers and healthcare providers in Aotearoa/New Zealand should consider the negative mental health consequences of social exclusion and isolation for people of diverse genders and sexualities.

year: 2021-10-03

title: The Phoenix Prophecy

authors: Williams, Julia

subjects: Young Adult

abstract: When Soraya Merridan wakes from a recurring nightmare, she finds herself drawn to a box of her mother’s belongings. After discovering an antique necklace with a strange stone, Sora accidentally triggers a prophecy and finds herself stranded in Aurelia, a new realm unlike anything she has ever seen. 
Upon her arrival, she meets a young prince and discovers a plague of hellish creatures that threaten the lives of everyone in this strange new world. Torn between Earth and Aurelia, Sora finds herself in the unlikely companionship of the prince and his guard. Together, they must journey to the hidden Temple of Arkosia in search of an ancient being capable of stopping the rising darkness and the threat of the Lord Ruler that comes with it. But things aren’t always what they seem, and when a dark-haired stranger keeps appearing with a message not to trust the prince, Sora is torn as to what to believe. With the fate of an entire world at stake, Sora is determined to make the right choice. 
But is she willing to pay the price?

The Phoenix Prophecy features a strong female character overcoming challenges and internal struggles while simultaneously uncovering her own strengths as she navigates this new world. It takes us on a journey where classic fantasy elements interweave with new ones to create an adventure for both the main character and the reader to enjoy, a world to lose yourself in while not straying entirely from our own. In this novel, I explore aspects of politics and social roles which are often built on real-world elements while presenting them in a world that shows a different view of familiar topics. 
I wanted to write about a heroine who isn’t afraid to dive right into the magic and fight for themselves no matter where it takes them. A strong female character who isn’t afraid to get her hands dirty. In Aurelia the rules are unexpected, it’s a place where readers can feel connected to the main character while also enjoying a little spice of magic.

text: The Phoenix Prophecy When Soraya Merridan wakes from a recurring nightmare, she finds herself drawn to a box of her mother’s belongings. After discovering an antique necklace with a strange stone, Sora accidentally triggers a prophecy and finds herself stranded in Aurelia, a new realm unlike anything she has ever seen. 
Upon her arrival, she meets a young prince and discovers a plague of hellish creatures that threaten the lives of everyone in this strange new world. Torn between Earth and Aurelia, Sora finds herself in the unlikely companionship of the prince and his guard. Together, they must journey to the hidden Temple of Arkosia in search of an ancient being capable of stopping the rising darkness and the threat of the Lord Ruler that comes with it. But things aren’t always what they seem, and when a dark-haired stranger keeps appearing with a message not to trust the prince, Sora is torn as to what to believe. With the fate of an entire world at stake, Sora is determined to make the right choice. 
But is she willing to pay the price?

The Phoenix Prophecy features a strong female character overcoming challenges and internal struggles while simultaneously uncovering her own strengths as she navigates this new world. It takes us on a journey where classic fantasy elements interweave with new ones to create an adventure for both the main character and the reader to enjoy, a world to lose yourself in while not straying entirely from our own. In this novel, I explore aspects of politics and social roles which are often built on real-world elements while presenting them in a world that shows a different view of familiar topics. 
I wanted to write about a heroine who isn’t afraid to dive right into the magic and fight for themselves no matter where it takes them. A strong female character who isn’t afraid to get her hands dirty. In Aurelia the rules are unexpected, it’s a place where readers can feel connected to the main character while also enjoying a little spice of magic.

year: 2022