Kaupapa Māori + Pacific-based research
Consulting, research and evaluation
Ko mātou | Our team
Led by Dr Pounamu Jade Aikman, Mana Pounamu works with and alongside other Māori, Pasifika, and Pākehā academics and evaluators, on a range of research and consulting projects.
Dr Pounamu Jade Aikman
Pounamu (Ngāti Maniapoto, Ngāti Wairere, Ngāti Apakura, Ngāti Awa, Ngāi Te Rangi, Ngāti Tarāwhai, Te Arawa, Ngāti Uenukukōpako) is a kaupapa Māori scholar and director of Mana Pounamu. With a PhD exploring Ngāi Tūhoe policing experiences, he now works across the education, justice, and health sectors, with a focus on Māori and Pasifika communities. His mahi is all about manaaki – uplifting the mana and strength of all our communities in rising to the challenges we face in Aotearoa today. →
Mahi o mua | Portfolio of work
Whakamana Tangata in Practice (2023)
Insights from the Whakatakapōkai Youth Justice Residence
Oranga Tamariki – Ministry for Children
Ka mua, ka muri (2022)
Nōku Te Ao Like Minds’ Whakapapa and Procurement Approaches
Te Whatu Ora/Te Hiringa Hauora
Racism in peril? Mutual aid and solidarity in the face of New Zealand’s history of white supremacy against Chinese and Māori (2022)
Peace Action: Struggles for a Decolonised and Demilitarised Oceania and East Asia
He kupu tautoko | Testimonials
“[Pounamu’s report [He Kitenga nō te Whare] submitted in mid-2024 was outstanding. It confirmed what we were already being told by research participants. Pounamu was able to put Police College staff and new recruits at their ease, and engage in deep and meaningful discussion about complex and sometimes difficult issues. His report demonstrated a grasp and application of relevant research, and an in-depth understanding of both Māori and Pacific cultural issues, as they applied to the research. Pounamu... has the potential to be a significant Māori academic leader in the future.”
Sir Kim Workman KNZM QSO
He kupu tautoko | Testimonials
"The Department of Internal Affairs – Local Government Branch engaged Mana Pounamu Consulting to provide an independent evaluation report for our Aotearoa Reorua - Bilingual Towns & Cities programme. We greatly appreciated Pounamu’s collaborative, mana-enhancing approach when working with, and alongside our team and participants from hapū, iwi and local government. Throughout the evaluation Mana Pounamu Consulting prioritised an understanding of the programme and in-person engagements, building relationships of reciprocity and trust. The team also showed sound knowledge of public sector environments and sensitivities. The outcome is an evaluative assessment that provides valuable insights on successes and limitations that will guide improvements to the programme."
Mark Tregurtha, Department of Internal Affairs
