Reclaiming the Threads: Re-Narrating Māori Stories in New Spaces

This paper explores the translation of Māori (Indigenous peoples of Aotearoa New Zealand) research data into innovative formats and spaces that enhance communication with a broad audience, including Indigenous communities and other key stakeholders. Using the Tō Mātou Kāinga tō Mātou Ūkaipō (Supporting Flourishing Home Environments) research project - a study focused on Māori perspectives of home and wellbeing - as a case study, this paper illustrates how research findings can be re-told through multiple stages and creative mediums. The article advocates for a non-linear, collaborative approach to data translation that extends beyond normative academic expectations and research constraints. By embracing this multi-agent and dynamic process, researchers and collaborating creatives can disrupt conventional communication methodologies, fostering culturally resonant practices that not only respect Indigenous perspectives but also enhance the accessibility and impact of research outcomes. This approach reimagines how knowledge can be shared, ensuring it remains both critically engaging and inclusive.