Whanganui Kaiponu: Ngāti Ruakā Methodologies for the preservation of Hapū waiata and oral taonga

This research explores Ngāti Ruakā perspectives on the preservation of hapū waiata and oral taonga, and it examines Whanganui kaiponu as a culturally appropriate methodology and research framework. Ngāti Ruakā perspectives are central to the study of hapū taonga within this research. This thesis also investigates the analysis of waiata through the decolonisation of western frameworks and methodologies on waiata study that have been used previously in ethnomusicology. This journey led me back home to the ahi kā, my whānau (especially my Nanny, Angel Haami) as well as my hapū from the Whanganui awa. This further affirmed my own identity through whakapapa and the significance of tūrangawaewae. Through discourse with hapū members and throughout the interview process, karanga was gifted and performed as oral hapū taonga to me. The context of this research centres on the interdisciplinary bridging of ethnomusicology and waiata Māori studies. This study highlighted critical aspects of preservation for Ngāti Ruakā concerning waiata. Hapū members raised issues relating to protection, transmission and pedagogy in regards to their hapū waiata or oral hapū taonga. This led to a need for re-establishing Whanganui kaiponu as a way of preservation and protection.