Contact details +6469517359
Associate Professor Margaret Forster PhD, GDipMaoriDev, MSc, BSc
Acting Head of School
Doctoral Supervisor Te Putahi-a-ToiRongomaiwāhine, Ngāti Kahungunu
Margaret teaches in the area of Māori knowledge and development and supervises postgraduate research on a range of topics related to the adaptation and resilience of Māori culture. Her research interests are focused around cultural and social sustainability and include an exploration of Māori relationships with whenua, Māori-state resource management relations, and cultural and ethical issues related to engagement with Māori.
Professional
Qualifications
- Doctor of Philosophy - Massey University (2012)
- Graduate Diploma in Maori Development - Massey University (2000)
- Master of Science (Second Class Honours) - University of Canterbury (1994)
- Bachelor of Science - University of Canterbury (1991)
Certifications and Registrations
- Licence, Supervisor, Massey University
Research Expertise
Research Interests
cultural and social sustainability
kaitiakitanga
Māori development
Thematics
21st Century Citizenship
Area of Expertise
Field of research codes
Other Studies in Human Society (169900):
Studies In Human Society (160000):
Studies of Maori Society (169904)
Research Projects
Summary of Research Projects
| Position | Current | Completed |
|---|---|---|
| Project Leader | 0 | 2 |
| Team Member | 1 | 1 |
Current Projects
Project Title: He Tatai Whenua: A Te Ao Maori landscape classification
Our research will synthesize a Te Ao Maori landscape classification that can be directly integrated with existing geographical information systems (GIS).
We will produce the first indigenous peoples, or Maori metric based Landscape Classification for New Zealand. Despite Maori expert elicitation, or interpretation, of landscape features being well recognised, coherent representation and display of this knowledge is significantly underdeveloped. Data of this kind is still treated as anecdotal or qualitative and, as a result, lacks impact in environmental management and decision-making. In stark contrast, the underlying descriptors and datasets used to classify NZ's environment for decision-making are all displayed in advanced GIS systems utilising cutting edge technology (e.g. geology (Qmap), soils (SMap), bio-diversity (Landcover Database/LENZ), and land use/capability (NZ Land Resource Inventory)). Many of the fundamental methods used to create these datasets are based on frameworks and criteria created through quasi-quantitative methods with no inclusion or recognition of matauranga Maori.
This will be achieved through three components:
1. Development of Maori landscape classification criteria based on matauranga Maori, tikanga, kaitiakitanga and tohu taiao from leading Maori academics and Iwi partners
2. Generation of the first Maori Landscape Classification GIS (MLC-GIS) and database using new IT, GIS, remote sensing techniques and mathematical methods to visualise landscapes based on the developed criteria
3. Application of the MLC-GIS alongside existing environmental databases in new catchment management strategies
Our research will use the Manawatu catchment to develop the protocols required to extend the proposed Maori Landscape Classification GIS to the whole of NZ. Globally this will be the first time such a dataset will be created. Additionally, new geospatial visualisation methods will be developed that will have significant impact.
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Date Range: 2017 - 2022
Funding Body: Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment
Project Team:
- Prof Jonathan Procter - Project Leader
- A/Pro Margaret Forster - Team Member
- A/Pro Hone Morris - Team Member
- Mr Ngataiharuru Taepa - Team Member
- Dr Peter Meihana - Team Member
- Dr Kristin Stock - Team Member
- Dr Gabor Kereszturi - Team Member
- Prof Hans Guesgen - Team Member
- Dr Simon Hills - Team Member
- Dr Stuart Mead - Team Member
Completed Projects
Project Title: HRC - Sharon Awatere - Maori elders' wellbeing and resilience indicator: measuring iwi health outcome
Date Range: 2013 - 2017
Funding Body: Health Research Council of New Zealand
Project Team:
- A/Pro Margaret Forster - Project Leader
- Sharon Awatere - Team Member (Doctoral Student)
Research Outputs
Journal
Hazou, R., McLennan, S., & Forster, M. (2021). Weaving together: Decolonising global citizenship education in Aotearoa New Zealand. Geographical Research. , 1-14
[Journal article]Authored by: Forster, M., Hazou, R., McLennan, S.
[Journal article]Authored by: Forster, M., Hazou, R., McLennan, S.
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Read Abstract: 
McLennan, SJ., Forster, M., & Hazou, R. (2021). Weaving together: Decolonising global citizenship education in Aotearoa New Zealand. Geographical Research.
[Journal article]Authored by: Forster, M., Hazou, R., McLennan, S.
[Journal article]Authored by: Forster, M., Hazou, R., McLennan, S.
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Forster, M. (2019). Restoring the feminine of indigenous environmental thought. Genealogy. 3(1), 1-13
[Journal article]Authored by: Forster, M.
[Journal article]Authored by: Forster, M.
Read article at Massey Research Online: 
Read Online:
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Forster, M. (2019). He Tātai Whenua: Environmental genealogies. Genealogy. 3(3), 1-14
[Journal article]Authored by: Forster, M.
[Journal article]Authored by: Forster, M.
Read article at Massey Research Online:
Read Online:
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Rona, S., Forster, M., & O'Neill, J. (2018). Māori children's everyday learning over the summer holidays. Learning, Culture and Social Interaction. 17, 69-78
[Journal article]Authored by: Forster, M., O'Neill, J.
[Journal article]Authored by: Forster, M., O'Neill, J.
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Book
O'Neill, J., Forster, M., Kupu MacIntyre, L., Rona, S., & Tu'imana, L. (2018). towards an ethic of cultural responsiveness in researching Māori and Tongan children's learning in everyday settings. In R. Bourke (Ed.) Ethical and Inclusive Research with Children.
[Chapter]Authored by: Forster, M., O'Neill, J.Edited by: Bourke, R.
[Chapter]Authored by: Forster, M., O'Neill, J.Edited by: Bourke, R.
Ware, F., Breheny, M., & Forster, ME. (2017). Reproducing the precarious position of young Māori mothers in Aotearoa New Zealand. In S. Groot, N. Tassell-matamua, C. Van Ommen, & B. Masters-Awatere (Eds.) Precarity: Uncertain, insecure and unequal lives in Aotearoa New Zealand. (pp. 136 - 146). Auckland, New Zealand: Massey University Press
[Chapter]Authored by: Forster, M., Ware, F.
[Chapter]Authored by: Forster, M., Ware, F.
Warren, KTR., Forster, ME., & Tawhai, V. (2017). Tangata whenua: Māori identity and belonging. In T. Cain, E. Kahu, & RH. Shaw (Eds.) Tūrangawaewae: Identity and belonging in Aotearoa New Zealand. (pp. 53 - 69). 2017: Massey University Press
[Chapter]Authored by: Forster, M., Tawhai, V., Warren, K.Edited by: Cain, T.
[Chapter]Authored by: Forster, M., Tawhai, V., Warren, K.Edited by: Cain, T.
Jahnke, H., & Forster, M. (2015). Waewae takamiria: Caress the Land with out Footsteps. In S. Huaman, & S. Bharath (Eds.) Indigenous Innovation: Universalities and Peculiarities. (pp. 43 - 56). Rotterdam, Netherlands: Sense
[Chapter]Authored by: Forster, M., Jahnke, H.
[Chapter]Authored by: Forster, M., Jahnke, H.
Tomlins-Jahnke, H., & Forster, M. (2015). Waewaetakamiria: Caress the land with our footsteps. In Indigenous Innovation: Universalities and Peculiarities. (pp. 43 - 55).
[Chapter]Authored by: Forster, M., Jahnke, H.
[Chapter]Authored by: Forster, M., Jahnke, H.
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3
Creative Work
Forster, ME., & Gillies, A.(2001). Ngati Kahungunu iwi. Maraenui Te Kohanga Reo: unknown
[Film or Video]Authored by: Forster, M.
[Film or Video]Authored by: Forster, M.
Thesis
Forster, ME. (2012). Hei whenua papatipu: Kaitiakitanga and the politics of enhancing the Mauri of Wetlands. (Doctoral Thesis, Massey University)
[Doctoral Thesis]Authored by: Forster, M.
[Doctoral Thesis]Authored by: Forster, M.
Report
The Arts Qualification Review Working Party, .(2014). Redesigning the BA: Recommendations for the Pro Vice Chancellor.
[Technical Report]Contributed to by: Forster, M.
[Technical Report]Contributed to by: Forster, M.
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Batten, L., Chainey, B., Forster, ME., & Pause, C.(2014). Massey's Got Talent: Staff engagement and talent management at Massey University..
[Technical Report]Authored by: Forster, M., Pause, C.
[Technical Report]Authored by: Forster, M., Pause, C.
Read Abstract:
Shaw, RH., Lineham, P., Morgan, C., Hansen, S., Forster, M., watson, G., . . . Bunnell, J.(2014). Redesigning the BA: Recommendations prepared for the Pro Vice Chancellor by the Arts Qualification Review Working Party. Massey University
[Technical Report]Authored by: Coleman, J., Forster, M., Hansen, S., Morgan, C., Shaw, R., Watson, G.
[Technical Report]Authored by: Coleman, J., Forster, M., Hansen, S., Morgan, C., Shaw, R., Watson, G.
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Forster, ME. (2007). Session summaries: Regional pacific ethics of knowledge production workshop.
[Commissioned Report]Authored by: Forster, M.
[Commissioned Report]Authored by: Forster, M.
Jahnke, HT., Forster, ME., & Gillies, A. (2005). Ngā taonga o Tangaroa research project. Massey University.
[Commissioned Report]Authored by: Forster, M., Jahnke, H.
[Commissioned Report]Authored by: Forster, M., Jahnke, H.
Conference
Stock, K., Morris, H., Forster, M., Paraku, R., & Egorova, E. (2019). He Tatai Whenua: An Exploratory Analysis of Landscape Terms in the New Zealand Maori Language. Poster session presented at the meeting of Conference on Spatial Information Theory: COSIT 2019
[Conference Poster]Authored by: Forster, M., Stock, K.
[Conference Poster]Authored by: Forster, M., Stock, K.
Stock, K., Morris, H., Forster, M., Paraku, R., & Egorova, E. (2019). He Tatai Whenua: Automated Extraction of Landscape Terms and their Meanings in New Zealand Maori. GeoComputation 2019.
[Conference Paper in Published Proceedings]Authored by: Forster, M., Stock, K.
[Conference Paper in Published Proceedings]Authored by: Forster, M., Stock, K.
Hazou, RT., Forster, M., & Mclennan, S.Encountering group work in Tū Rangaranga. . Auckland, New Zealand
[Conference Paper]Authored by: Forster, M., Hazou, R., McLennan, S.
[Conference Paper]Authored by: Forster, M., Hazou, R., McLennan, S.
Read Abstract:
Mika, JP., Palmer, FR., Forster, M., Harmsworth, G., Goff, S., Colliver, R., . . . Vaartjes, V. (2015, April). Indigeneity and natural resource management Seminar. Presented at Indigeneity and natural resource management, Balancing cultural and commercial imperatives Lessons from Australia and New Zealand cross-cultural researchers and practitioners. Manaaki Whenua, Manawatū Campus, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: Forster, M., Mika, J., Palmer, F.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: Forster, M., Mika, J., Palmer, F.
Forster, ME. (2014, November). Water security and indigenous agency in Aotearoa New Zealand. Presented at Agrifood XXI 21st conference of the Australasian Agri-Food Research Network. Food People Planet.. The National Centre of Indigenous Excellence, Redfern, NSW; The University of Sydney, Australia..
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: Forster, M.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: Forster, M.
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Other
Forster, ME. (2017, August). Becoming a tiriti-led University. In Feature presentation to Massey University learning and teaching symposium. Presented at Palmerston North, New Zealand.
[Oral Presentation]Authored by: Forster, M.
[Oral Presentation]Authored by: Forster, M.
Forster, ME. (2015, April). Indigeneity and natural resource management: Cross cultural research symposium.
[Oral Presentation]Authored by: Forster, M.
[Oral Presentation]Authored by: Forster, M.
Forster, ME. (2014, July). He Pūkenga Kōrero: Building capacity for inclusive governance.
[Oral Presentation]Authored by: Forster, M.
[Oral Presentation]Authored by: Forster, M.
Read Abstract:
Forster, ME. (2014, February). Ki uta ki tai: A Māori view of wise water management. In Public Lecture at City Library Sound and Vision.
[Oral Presentation]Authored by: Forster, M.
[Oral Presentation]Authored by: Forster, M.
Forster, ME. (2013, November). Māori and Research. In Te Kunenga ki Purehūroa Library.
[Oral Presentation]Authored by: Forster, M.
[Oral Presentation]Authored by: Forster, M.
Teaching and Supervision
Courses Coordinated
- 150.103 Nau mai e noho: Engaging with Māori
- 150.201 Te Kawenata o Waitangi: The Treaty of Waitangi in New Zealand Society
- 150.204 Mana Māori: Māori and Politics
- 150.205 Kura Mai Tawhiti: Māori Knowledge
- 150.301 Te Mana Te Kawanatanga: Māori Policy and the State
- 150.714 Ta Te Māori Rangahau Korero: Māori Research Methodologies
- 150.799 Research Report (30)
- 150.801 MPhil Thesis 120 Credit Part 1
- 150.802 MPhil Thesis 120 Credit Part 2
- 150.816 Thesis 120 Credit Part 1
- 150.817 Thesis 120 Credit Part 2
- 150.873 Research Report Māori Studies (60)
- 150.881 Thesis 90 Credit Part 1
- 150.882 Thesis 90 Credit Part 2
- 150.899 Thesis
- 150.900 PhD Māori Studies
Summary of Doctoral Supervision
| Position | Current | Completed |
|---|---|---|
| Main Supervisor | 0 | 1 |
| Co-supervisor | 3 | 5 |
Current Doctoral Supervision
Co-supervisor of:
-
Tata Lawton
-
Doctor of Philosophy
Drowning in my memories: the experience of D Company whānau across generations -
Stephan Gibbs
-
Doctor of Philosophy
Te Hoe Nukuroa -
Brendan Stevenson
-
Doctor of Philosophy
Measuring Maori Identity and Health: Maori Differentiated Cultural Cohorts
Completed Doctoral Supervision
Main Supervisor of:
-
2019
-
Sharon Awatere
-
Doctor of Philosophy
“I like to be treated like a person, a little smile never costs a thing” Weaving kaumātua experiences of living with osteoarthritis in Hawke’s Bay, Aotearoa New Zealand into a collaborative Osteoarthritis-Management Toolkit
Co-supervisor of:
-
2019
-
Felicity Ware
-
Doctor of Philosophy
It’s hard being a young parent, it’s even harder being a young Māori parent: Young Māori parents’ experiences of raising a family -
2018
-
Karen Seccombe
-
Doctor of Philosophy
the clarity of light. Self-representation through art making: a personal response to the social justice work of WAI the Women's Art Initiative collect -
2017
-
Sarah Herbert
-
Doctor of Philosophy
He tirohanga taurahere tangata: The social context of older Māori alcohol use in Aotearoa/New Zealand -
2016
-
Stefania Pizzirani
-
Doctor of Philosophy
A culturally focused life cycle sustainability assessment: Analysis of forestry value chain options with Maori land owners -
2015
-
Carole Fernandez
-
Doctor of Philosophy
Whakawhirinakitanga Ahua: Exploring a Maori model of health service delivery