Doctor of Indigenous Development and Advancement IDA

Lead transformative change for Indigenous communities

Join a community of Indigenous scholars and practitioners driving real-world impact.

The Doctor of Indigenous Development and Advancement (IDA) at Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi is a doctoral qualification designed for those with professional experience who are committed to advancing Indigenous aspirations through research.

Grounded in Indigenous methodologies, this doctoral degree programme supports applied research that contributes to the development and empowerment of Indigenous communities across local, national, and international contexts. It offers a culturally responsive pathway to academic excellence and real-world transformation.

Doctoral degrees are globally recognised postgraduate research degrees at the highest level. Professional doctorates consider the student’s working experiences and encourage them to consider how their research can contribute to the tribal, community and Indigenous organisations with which they are connected.

The Doctor of Indigenous Development and Advancement (IDA) is primarily for those who work in an Indigenous context or have a responsibility for Indigenous aspects within their employment, including international students.

This professional aspect also means that students will require support from their profession/community and/or tribal/hapū/iwi bodies. It is anticipated that students who enrol in this degree are at the top of their professional careers.

Why choose the Doctor of Indigenous Development and Advancement (IDA)?

Indigenous-Led Scholarship
Engage in research guided by Indigenous knowledge frameworks.

Quality Teaching and Supervision
Mentorship by experienced academic scholars and Indigenous practitioners

Local and Global Impact
Explore Indigenous research methodologies reaching across Indigenous networks and communities in Aotearoa and beyond.

Collaborative Community Research
Partner with iwi, hapū, Indigenous organisations, or international Indigenous networks for community-driven research.

Flexible, Supportive Learning
Combining taught learning, self-directed research, in-person wānanga and online learning in a supportive kaupapa Māori environment

What you will do in the Doctor of Indigenous Development and Advancement (IDA):

• Conduct original research in Indigenous development and advancement
• Apply indigenous and kaupapa Māori research methodologies
• Collaborate with Indigenous communities and organisations
• Produce a doctoral thesis that contributes to global Indigenous scholarship
• Influence policy, practice, and innovation through culturally grounded research

Who should apply?

• Experienced professionals and community leaders working within or responsible for Indigenous development initiatives
• Advocates for Indigenous advancement and innovation 
• Those with vested interest in research areas such as Indigenous economic development, education, health, environmental studies, policy, social equity and leadership

Discover postgraduate pathways