Ngāti Awa Scholarship Supports PhD Research into Moko

Published date : Wed, 29 January 2025 09:23 am

Ngāti Awa Scholarship Supports PhD Research into Moko

The Ngāti Awa Scholarship has been instrumental in supporting the doctoral journey of Turumakina Duley at Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi.

Turumakina’s research focuses on how reinstating moko as a rite of passage across key life milestones can benefit the people of Ngāti Awa.

“I sincerely hope my research will help unite Ngāti Awa in reinstating moko as a structured series of rites of passage for future generations.

"Marking key life stages with moko, such as Kōhanga Reo graduation (with hōpara makaurangi-painted-on moko), coming of age, responsible adulthood, marriage, parenthood, academic achievements, tribal leadership, menopause, and widowhood, reconnects us with our cultural traditions.

"These rituals have the potential to create lasting positive impacts, nurturing the maturity of our people and restoring traditional practices that were disrupted by colonisation."

Despite living in Australia, Turumakina has remained fully committed to his research, which has provided a meaningful reconnection with his Ngāti Awa roots.

“Living on the Gold Coast required frequent travel back to Whakatāne for writers’ noho, and I was determined to attend every one. The scholarship significantly reduced the financial strain of studying from afar, allowing me to fully dedicate myself to my research.”

His PhD journey with Awanuiārangi has been both personal and transformative.

“Studying at Awanuiārangi has reconnected me with my iwi and hapū, for which I am deeply grateful. At the end of 2025, I plan to move my whānau back home to Whakatāne and begin implementing the findings from my research.

"My vision is to organise two wānanga streams: one engaging cultural and other relevant experts to structure the rites of passage pathway, and another to inform, educate, and inspire community participation in this kaupapa.”

Awanuiārangi commends Turumakina for his dedication and mahi, acknowledging the significance of his work in contributing to the future well-being of Ngāti Awa.

Two scholarships per eligible programme are available for any Ngāti Awa student who is enrolled full-time at Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi.

Find out more via the link. Applications for 2025 close at 2pm, Monday 31 March.

Apply Now

Image of Turumakina Duley doing mahi moko (Māori tattoo) on a recipient

Turumakina is tattooing tā moko (traditional Māori tattooing), applying a 'Mataora,' which is traditionally worn by Māori men on the face. Mataora hold deep cultural, spiritual, and genealogical significance.