Advancing critical biography with Indigenous methodology: understanding Maori entrepreneurship

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to advance the application of critical biography through a decolonised research methodology that places Kaupapa Maori as the primary analytical lens for understanding Maori entrepreneurship. This paper explores the life of 19th-Century Maori chief, Hongi Hika, in Aotearoa (New Zealand). Design/methodology/approach Applying a dual method approach that first integrates Kaupapa Maori, then critical biography, provides an improved approach for identifying historical and cultural complexities often missed in Western-centric methods when analysing historical Maori entrepreneurs. Findings The findings of this study support the view that Kaupapa Maori methodology should be used first, and critical biography second, in an integrated way, when analysing Maori entrepreneurs. This approach deepens our understanding of each character and connects the research to Maori principles, values, historical narratives and customs, while supporting the need to expand entrepreneurship theory to include Maori worldviews. Research limitations/implications While this paper focuses on a single experience in Hongi Hika’s life, it lays a foundation for a broader application of a combined Kaupapa Maori–critical biography framework. Researchers must recognise the heterogeneity of the Maori experience and the ongoing effects of colonisation when engaging in Maori research. This dual approach encourages the decolonisation of management and scholarship and highlights the importance of Indigenous-led methodologies. Originality/value This paper’s contribution to the research community is through integrating Kaupapa Maori with critical biography, therefore advancing both methodological discourse and Indigenous entrepreneurship studies.