Stacey Ruru, Emerging Researcher (Ngāti Hauā, Ngāti Raukawa), and Logan Hamley, Intern Lead and Senior Researcher (Ngāti Rangi, Te Ātihaunui-ā-Pāpārangi) from Whakauae Research Services Ltd, recently attended the Working to End Racial Oppression (WERO) Conference at the University of Waikato in Hamilton. Centered on the theme of racism, the conference provided a platform to present, examine, and challenge racial oppression through diverse perspectives and research.
During the conference, Stacey presented her PhD research titled “Mā te mōhio, ka mārama - Know and Become Enlightened: The Mentorship Journeys of Māori Women Leaders Who Are Empowering Future Generations.” Grounded in kaupapa Māori and mana wahine theory, her presentation explored how wāhine Māori utilise mana wahine to express their tino rangatiratanga (self-determination) and mahi aroha (work done out of love). Stacey discussed the ways in which these women navigate challenges, resist oppressive systems, and create spaces for others to thrive.
Logan, alongside Dr. Ottilie Stolte, presented on psychology’s role in anti-racism in a talk titled “Taking Our Own Medicine: Awareness & Acceptance for Anti-Racist Psychology.” Their presentation combined wānanga and survey data to highlight the limitations of psychology education in addressing racism, particularly for Māori. They emphasised the need for community-oriented, kaupapa Māori, and localised approaches to psychology that empower individuals to flourish.
A key highlight from the conference was Professor Michelle Johnson-Jennings's (Choctaw Nation) keynote presentation on the transformative power of love in combating systemic racism and oppression. She shared stories and examples illustrating how love can be a powerful response to injustice. A quote that deeply resonated with Stacey was:
"Love feeds the spirit, reconnects us to one another."
This message served as a reminder to reflect on her tūpuna and whānau narratives as a source of strength and resilience.
For Logan, a standout moment was Ruha Benjamin’s keynote address, which explored the intersections of whiteness, racism, wealth, and technology in shaping visions of the future. She challenged attendees to remember that technology is created by people and urged them to draw on ancestral intelligence when responding to the challenges posed by artificial intelligence.
As we reflect on the powerful kōrero shared at WERO, we look forward to seeing more of this incredible research published. We left the gathering feeling inspired and motivated to continue this mahi.
For further information on the conference: https://www.ivvy.com.au/event/6HQTOW/home.html
Conference presentation references: Ruru, S., Awatere-Masters., B., Boulton, A., & Spiller, C. (2025, 9-12 February). Mā te mōhio, ka marama, know and become enlightened: The mentorship journeys of Māori women leaders who are empowering future generations. Working to end Racial Oppression Conference, Hamilton, New Zealand.
Hamley, L & Stolte, O. (2025, 9-12 February). Taking our own medicine: Awareness & acceptance for anti-racist psychology. Working to end Racial Oppression Conference, Hamilton, New Zealand.
Stacey Ruru, Emerging Researcher (Ngāti Hauā, Ngāti Raukawa), and Logan Hamley, Intern Lead and Senior Researcher (Ngāti Rangi, Te Ātihaunui-ā-Pāpārangi) from Whakauae Research Services Ltd, recently attended the Working to End Racial Oppression (WERO) Conference at the University of Waikato in Hamilton. Centered on the theme of racism, the conference provided a platform to present, examine, and challenge racial oppression through diverse perspectives and research.
During the conference, Stacey presented her PhD research titled “Mā te mōhio, ka mārama - Know and Become Enlightened: The Mentorship Journeys of Māori Women Leaders Who Are Empowering Future Generations.” Grounded in kaupapa Māori and mana wahine theory, her presentation explored how wāhine Māori utilise mana wahine to express their tino rangatiratanga (self-determination) and mahi aroha (work done out of love). Stacey discussed the ways in which these women navigate challenges, resist oppressive systems, and create spaces for others to thrive.
Logan, alongside Dr. Ottilie Stolte, presented on psychology’s role in anti-racism in a talk titled “Taking Our Own Medicine: Awareness & Acceptance for Anti-Racist Psychology.” Their presentation combined wānanga and survey data to highlight the limitations of psychology education in addressing racism, particularly for Māori. They emphasised the need for community-oriented, kaupapa Māori, and localised approaches to psychology that empower individuals to flourish.
A key highlight from the conference was Professor Michelle Johnson-Jennings's (Choctaw Nation) keynote presentation on the transformative power of love in combating systemic racism and oppression. She shared stories and examples illustrating how love can be a powerful response to injustice. A quote that deeply resonated with Stacey was:
"Love feeds the spirit, reconnects us to one another."
This message served as a reminder to reflect on her tūpuna and whānau narratives as a source of strength and resilience.
For Logan, a standout moment was Ruha Benjamin’s keynote address, which explored the intersections of whiteness, racism, wealth, and technology in shaping visions of the future. She challenged attendees to remember that technology is created by people and urged them to draw on ancestral intelligence when responding to the challenges posed by artificial intelligence.
As we reflect on the powerful kōrero shared at WERO, we look forward to seeing more of this incredible research published. We left the gathering feeling inspired and motivated to continue this mahi.
For further information on the conference: https://www.ivvy.com.au/event/6HQTOW/home.html
Conference presentation references: Ruru, S., Awatere-Masters., B., Boulton, A., & Spiller, C. (2025, 9-12 February). Mā te mōhio, ka marama, know and become enlightened: The mentorship journeys of Māori women leaders who are empowering future generations. Working to end Racial Oppression Conference, Hamilton, New Zealand.
Hamley, L & Stolte, O. (2025, 9-12 February). Taking our own medicine: Awareness & acceptance for anti-racist psychology. Working to end Racial Oppression Conference, Hamilton, New Zealand.
