Associate Professor Krushil Watene staff profile picture

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Associate Professor Krushil Watene PhD, MA

Associate Professor

Doctoral Supervisor
School of Humanities Media and Creative Comm

My broad areas of research are moral and political philosophy. I’m interested in concepts like: equality, community, freedom, and rights. I’m interested in how we improve people’s lives (well-being) and how we make society and the world just (social and global justice). Much of my work is written from the perspective of the ‘capability approach’. As a theory of well-being, the capability approach tells us that we should be concerned with what people are able to do and be (our capabilities to function). We improve people's lives by expanding their real opportunities to live the kinds of lives they value and have reason to value.

My work also crosses over into development studies – particularly ‘Development Ethics’ which asks questions like: What should the ends and means of development be? Is economic wealth all that matters? How does policy most usefully reflect and capture what we have reason to value?

I’m also committed to indigenous and pasifika peoples' perspectives. I’m interested in the contribution of Māori justice concepts to global justice theorising, as well as Māori and Pasifika health and development policies. I take a keen interest particularly in the development needs and aspirations of my own hapū and iwi.

My research addresses fundamental questions in moral and political philosophy, particularly those related to well-being, development, and justice. My primary areas of expertise include mainstream theories of well-being and justice (particularly the capability approach), obligations to future generations, and indigenous (particularly Māori) philosophies. My research pioneers high-level discussions of indigenous concepts in global justice theorising, grounded in research that demonstrates the central role of local indigenous communities. 

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Professional

Contact details

  • Location: AT2.64, Atrium Building
    Campus: Albany

Qualifications

  • Doctor of Philosophy - University of St Andrews (2011)
  • Master of Arts (First Class Honours) - University of Auckland (2006)

Certifications and Registrations

  • Licence, Supervisor, Massey University

Prizes and Awards

  • MURF Early Career Award - Massey University Research Fund (2017)

Research Expertise

Research Interests

Philosophy: Contemporary Moral and Political Philosophy; Applied Ethics; Theories of social and global justice; well-being; the Capability Approach; Maori social justice concepts

Development Ethics: The Human Development and Capability Approach; Indigenous Development; indigenous well-being; sustainable development

Area of Expertise

Field of research codes
Applied Ethics (220100): Environmental Philosophy (220303): Ethical Theory (220305): Human Rights and Justice Issues (220104): Other Philosophy and Religious Studies (229900): Philosophy (220300): Philosophy And Religious Studies (220000): Philosophy and Religious Studies not elsewhere classified (229999):
Political Science (160600): Political Theory and Political Philosophy (160609): Studies In Human Society (160000)

Keywords

Philosophy: Contemporary Moral and Political Philosophy; Applied Ethics; Theories of social and global justice; well-being; the Capability Approach; Maori social justice concepts

Development Ethics: The Human Development and Capability Approach; Indigenous Development; indigenous well-being; sustainable development

Research Projects

Summary of Research Projects

Position Current Completed
Project Leader 7 9

Completed Projects

Project Title: Exploring Maori Social Justice Concepts

What makes society just? Plato's answers tend to be thought of as fundamentally part of our philosophical heritage: he provides a framework for discussion which we generally accept as the precursor to our modern society. But what would Plato's Republic have sounded like if Plato had been M?ori? What if Plato himself had taken ideas that are basic to M?ori society as his starting point? What kind of approach to social justice would we have inherited? This project provides the philosophical research required to articulate an approach to social justice grounded in M?ori concepts. This project breaks new ground in two important ways: firstly, by introducing the first M?ori approach to social justice into mainstream justice theorising; secondly, by bringing this approach explicitly into conversation with other indigenous concepts, and western theories of justice. This project has the potential to create shifts in some of the foundation of contemporary political philosophy, initiating a new framework for global justice theorising.
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Date Range: 2017 - 2020

Funding Body: Royal Society of New Zealand

Project Team:

Project Title: NSC - Mauri Whenua Ora (Our Land & Water National Science Challenge)

Date Range: 2016 - 2019

Funding Body: University of Otago

Project Team:

Research Outputs

Journal

Mulgan, T., Enright, S., Grix, M., Jayasuriya, U., Ka‘ili, TO., Lear, AM., . . . Watene, K. (2021). Charting just futures for Aotearoa New Zealand: philosophy for and beyond the Covid-19 pandemic. Journal of the Royal Society of New Zealand. 51(S1), S167-S178
[Journal article]Authored by: Grix, M., Matthewson, O., Schouten, V., Watene, K.
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Barrett, M., Watene, K., & McNicholas, P. (2020). Legal personality in Aotearoa New Zealand: an example of integrated thinking on sustainable development. Accounting, Auditing and Accountability Journal. 33(7), 1705-1730
[Journal article]Authored by: Barrett, M., Watene, K.
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Yap, ML-M., & Watene, K. (2019). The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Indigenous Peoples: Another Missed Opportunity?. Journal of Human Development and Capabilities. 20(4), 451-467 Retrieved from https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/19452829.2019.1574725
[Journal article]Authored by: Watene, K.
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Palmer, E., & Watene, K. (2018). Introduction: new paths in reconciliation, transitional and Indigenous justice. Journal of Global Ethics. 14(2), 133-136
[Journal article]Authored by: Watene, K.Edited by: Watene, K.
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Palmer, E., & Watene, K. (2018). Introduction: new paths in reconciliation, transitional and Indigenous justice. Journal of Global Ethics. 14(2)
[Journal article]Authored by: Watene, K.Edited by: Watene, K.

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Watene, KPM. (2016). Review and debate: Gottfried Schweiger and Gunter Graf’s 'a philosophical examination of social justice and child poverty. Ethical Perspectives: journal of the European Ethics Network. 23(4), 740-744Retreived from file:///C:/Users/kryder/Downloads/Review-Debate+%25281%2529.pdf
[Book Review]Authored by: Watene, K.
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Watene, KPM., & Bockstael, E. (2016). Indigenous Peoples and the Capability Approach: Taking Stock. Oxford Development Studies. 44(3), 265-270 Retrieved from http://www.tandfonline.com/loi/cods20
[Journal article]Authored by: Watene, K.
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Watene, KPM. (2016). Valuing nature: Maori philosophy and the capability approach. Oxford Development Studies. 44(3), 287-296 Retrieved from http://www.tandfonline.com/eprint/d63R3FZchyb8X4rc5Sad/full
[Journal article]Authored by: Watene, K.
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Watene, KPM., & Kawharu, M. (2015). Reclaiming lives we value. Northern Public Affairs. 3(3), 48-49 Retrieved from http://www.northernpublicaffairs.ca/index/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/August-2015-Cover.jpg
[Journal article]Authored by: Watene, K.
Watene, KPM., & Yap, M. (2015). Culture and sustainable development: Indigenous contributions. Journal of Global Ethics. 11(1), 51-55 Retrieved from http://www.tandfonline.com/eprint/8C6T36DJPbbUCMkG2fva/full
[Journal article]Authored by: Watene, K.
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Watene, KPM. (2013). ‘El Enfoque de las Capacidades Como Teoria de la Justicia: Aclaraciones Y Desafios’. Revisita Enfoque.
[Journal article]Authored by: Watene, K.
Watene, KPM. (2013). Nussbaum’s capability approach and future generations. Journal of Human Development and Capabilities. 14(1), 21-39 Retrieved from http://www.tandfonline.com/
[Journal article]Authored by: Watene, K.
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Book

Watene, K., & Palmer, E. (Eds.) (2020). Reconciliation, Transitional, and Indigenous Justice. : Routledge
[Edited Book]Edited by: Watene, K.
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Wehi, P., Watene, K., Whaanga, H., & Steeves, T. (2020). Mātauranga as knowledge, process and practice in Aotearoa New Zealand. In T. Thornton, & S. Bhagwat (Eds.) Handbook of Indigenous Environmental Knowledge: Global Themes and Practice. : Routledge
[Chapter]Authored by: Watene, K.
Watene, K. (2020). Manaaki and Intergenerational Ethics. In The Oxford Handbook of Intergenerational Ethics.
[Chapter]Authored by: Watene, K.Contributed to by: Watene, K.
Watene, KPM. (2018). Perspectives non-occidentales sur la justice distributive. In P. Savidan (Ed.) Dictionnaire des inegalites et de la justice sociale. : Presses Universitaires de France
[Chapter]Authored by: Watene, K.
Watene, KPM., Rochford, T., & Tamariki, N. (2017). Whānau Ora: Transforming health and well-being. In S. Chadwick (Ed.) How Should we Live?. (pp. 169 - 195). : Massey University Press
[Chapter]Authored by: Watene, K.

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Watene, KPM. (2016). Introduction. In K. Watene, & J. Drydyk (Eds.) Theorizing Justice: Critical Insights and Future Directions. (pp. 1 - 14). London and New York: Rowman and Littlefield International
[Chapter]Authored by: Watene, K.Edited by: Watene, K.
Watene, KPM. (2016). Land and water. In N. Leggat (Ed.) The Journal of Urgent Writing 2016. (pp. 180 - 189). : Massey University Press
[Chapter]Authored by: Watene, K.
Watene, KPM., & Merino, R. (2018). Indigenous Peoples Development: Considerations for Development Ethics. In J. Drydyk, & L. Keleher (Eds.) Routledge Handbook of Development Ethics. : Routledge
[Chapter]Authored by: Watene, K.
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Watene, KPM. (2016). Indigenous peoples and justice. In K. Watene, & J. Drydyk (Eds.) Theorising Justice: Novel Insights and Future Directions. London, UK: Rowman & Littlefield International
[Chapter]Authored by: Watene, K.Edited by: Watene, K.
Watene, KPM. (2018). Transforming Global Justice Theorising: Indigenous Philosophies. In T. Brooks (Ed.) The Oxford handbook of global justice. : Oxford University Press
[Chapter]Authored by: Watene, K.
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Watene, KPM., & Drydyk, J. (Eds.) (2016). Theorizing justice: Critical insights and future directions. : Rowman and Littlefield International
[Edited Book]Contributed to by: Watene, K.Edited by: Watene, K.
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Watene, KPM. (2014). Beyond Nussbaum’s capability approach: Future generations and the need for new ways forward. In T. Brooks (Ed.) New Waves in Global Justice. (pp. 128 - 148). : Palgrave Macmillan
[Chapter]Authored by: Watene, K.
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Watene, KPM. (2013). Indigenous visions for sustainable development law? Continuing the conversation. In K. Bosselman, P. Taylor, & D. Grinlinton (Eds.) Environmental Law for a Sustainable Society. (pp. 131 - 142). Auckland, New Zealand: New Zealand Centre for Environment Law
[Chapter]Authored by: Watene, K.
Watene, K. (2013). Nussbaum's capability approach and future generations. In O. Lessman, & F. Rauschmayer (Eds.) The Capability Approach and Sustainability. (pp. 29 - 31). : Routledge
[Chapter]Authored by: Watene, K.
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Report

Kawharu, M., & Watene, KPM. (2015). Whakataunga me ngā Wawata: Findings and Aspirations. ( Report No. 1).
[Commissioned Report]Authored by: Watene, K.
Watene, K. (2014). Closing the gap between theory and practise. ( Report No. 2).
[Commissioned Report]Authored by: Watene, K.
Watene, KPM., Hunia, R., Henessy, M., & McTaggart, S. (2014). Whānau capabilities: Needs and aspirations.
[Commissioned Report]Authored by: Watene, K.
Watene, KPM. (2013). Whanau-centred services: creating capabilities. ( Report No. 1).
[Commissioned Report]Authored by: Watene, K.

Conference

Watene, K., & Merino, R. (2018, August). Book Launch: Routledge Handbook of Development Ethics. Presented at Development Ethics in Times of Rising Authoritarianism. FLACSO Buenos Aires.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: Watene, K.Contributed to by: Watene, K.
Watene, K.Kaitiakitanga and Collective Continuance: Insights for the Capability Approach. . UCA Buenos Aires
[Conference Paper]Authored by: Watene, K.
Watene, K.Indigenous Development Ethics: Pa to Plate. . UCA Buenos Aires
[Conference Paper]Authored by: Watene, K.
Watene, KPM.Kaupapa Maori and philosophizing: Insights for the capability approach. . Capetown, South Africa
[Conference Paper]Authored by: Watene, K.
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Watene, KPM. (2016, November). Articulating a Maori approach to social justice: Opportunities and Challenges. Presented at New Zealand Association of Philosophy Conference. University of Waikato, Hamilton.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: Watene, K.

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Watene, KPM.Whanau Ora: A Capability Approach?. . Deakin University, Melbourne
[Conference Paper]Authored by: Watene, K.
Watene, KPM. (2016, September). Paternalism, Self-Determination, and the Capability Approach. Presented at 2016 Human Development and Capability Association Annual Conference. Tokyo, Japan.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: Watene, K.
Watene, KPM. (2016, August). Global justice and global perspectives. Presented at Global justice, the capability approach, and social policy. Tokyo, Japan.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: Watene, K.
Watene, KPM. (2015, December). Diversifying Philosophy: Cross-Cultural Conversations. Presented at New Zealand Association of Philosophy. Massey University, Palmerston North.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: Watene, K.
Watene, KPM. (2015, September). Whanau Ora: A Capability Approach?. Presented at Human Development and Capability Association Conference. Georgetown University, Washington DC.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: Watene, K.
watene, K. (2012, September). Valuing the Environment in a Diverse World. Presented at Human Development and Capability Association
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: Watene, K.
Watene, KPM.Valuing the Environment in a Diverse World.
[Conference Paper]Authored by: Watene, K.

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Other

Watene, KPM. (2018). Mere Paea Tipene (Raharuhi).
[Other]Authored by: Watene, K.

Consultancy and Languages

Consultancy

  • 2019-2021 - Te Tai Ōhanga | The Treasury
    Provided guidance on the next iteration of Treasury's Living Standards Framework 2021, and the following Discussion Paper in particular: https://www.treasury.govt.nz/publications/dp/dp-21-01

Teaching and Supervision

Teaching Statement

I coordinate courses in moral and political philosophy, ethics, environmental philosophy, and indigenous philosophies.

Courses Coordinated

Contact Supervisor

Graduate Supervision Statement

I am available to supervise MA and PhD students in the areas of moral and poltiical philosophy, ethics, environmental philosophy, and indigenous philosophies. 


Associate Professor Krushil Watene is available for Masters and Doctorial supervision.

Summary of Doctoral Supervision

Position Current Completed
Co-supervisor 1 0

Current Doctoral Supervision

Co-supervisor of:

  • Robert Broughton - Doctor of Philosophy
    The Queering of International Relations: LGBT+ Participation in Global Politics

Media and Links

Other Links

  • International Development Ethics Association - IDEA promotes ethical discussion of development: the nature of ethically desirable development, ethical means for achieving development, and ethical dilemmas arising in the practice of development.
  • Capability Approach - HDCA is a global community of academics and practitioners that seeks to build an intellectual community around the ideas of the capability approach, and relate these ideas to the policy arena.