Research on strengthening Pacific bilingual immersion education, support for ākonga Māori with ADHD transitioning to tertiary education and inclusive early learning support in Puna Reo are among the nine projects supported in the final round of Teaching and Learning Research Initiative (TLRI) funding.
Since 2003, the TLRI has funded 210 research projects co-designed by educational researchers and teacher practitioners that address themes of strategic importance and improve outcomes for learners in Aotearoa New Zealand. Funding is allocated through two pathways – Whatua Tū Aka for kaupapa Māori research, and the Open Pathway for general educational research. There are also criteria focused on Pacific research that applicants may choose to be assessed on.
The TLRI would like to congratulate its successful applicants for 2025.
Kaupapa Māori research funded through the Whatua Tū Aka pathway
Ngā Pou Māreikura – Exploring how the experience and embodiment of Oranga-tiratanga with kōhine Māori can inform pastoral and educational thriving at Hobsonville Point High School, led by Associate Professor Deborah Heke (Unitec)
Reframing time, reclaiming relationships: Using āta to enrich ako practices and the mana of tamariki, led by Dr. Hoana McMillan & Dr. Raella Kahuroa (University of Waikato)
Māori Students with ADHD: Kaupapa Māori Research on Transitions into Tertiary Education, led by Associate Professor Byron Rangiwai (Unitec)
Te Tipu Takahoa: Te reo tipu o ngā tuākana i tētahi Kōhanga Reo, led by Dr. Maraea Hunia (Tātai Aho Rau Core Education)
Ngā Wai o Orea: Mapping student journeys for success, led by Dr. Jenny Lee-Morgan (Pūrangakura Ltd)
Research funded through the Open Pathway
Sustaining Pacific Bilingual/Immersion Education (PBIE) for Pacific tamariki, whānau, and communities, led by Dr. Rae Si‘ilata and Dr. Martha Aseta (Va’atele Education Consulting)
Enhancing the learning of refugee and migrant children as they transition to education settings in Aotearoa New Zealand, led by Dr. Hazel Woodhouse and Professor Sally Peters (University of Waikato)
Inclusive early learning support in Puna Reo, led by Dr. Linda Clarke and Associate Professor Tara McLaughlin (Massey University)
Kia Puāwaitanga: Supporting learners to flourish by responding to the changing literacy, assessment and NCEA expectations through educationally powerful connections, led by Professor Mere Berryman (University of Waikato).
About the Teaching and Learning Research Initiative
The TLRI funds high-quality research projects that aim to improve outcomes for learners. All projects are partnerships between researchers and educators. This year, the TLRI prioritised research that:
- contributes to the Government’s education priorities
- focuses on topics of strategic importance within the early childhood education, primary and/or secondary school sectors
- focuses on success for Māori learners as Māori
- focuses on success for Pacific learners.
The TLRI is funded by the New Zealand government and administered by Rangahau Mātauranga o Aotearoa | New Zealand Council for Educational Research (NZCER).
In 2025 it was announced that funding for the TLRI would cease in mid 2027, making this the final round of funding to be awarded. All projects will be completed by March 2027.
