The award recognises a significant educational research project undertaken in Aotearoa by a group of researchers for their contribution to the body of knowledge in Maori and/or Pasifika research. First awarded in 2004, the award comprises a written citation, a taonga and a cash prize of $1000.
In granting this award NZARE wishes to acknowledge, prioritise and respond to either Maori or Pasifika research projects.
| 2019 | No Award made | |
| 2018 | No Award made | |
| 2017 | University of Waikato: Te Kotahitanga Research Institute | |
| 2016 | University of Canterbury: Te Rū Rangahau: Citation | |
| 2015 | University of Waikato: Te Kotahitanga Research Institute | |
| 2014 | No Award made | |
| 2013 | No Award made | |
| 2012 | The University of Auckland: Success for All: Citation | |
| 2011 - 2009 | No Award made | |
| 2008 | Pasifika Group Research | |
| 2007 | Ministry of Education: Comparative Education Research Unit: Citation | |
| 2006 | Amosa Fa'afoi, Faye Parkhill, Jo Flecher, Christchurch College of Education | |
| 2005 | No Award made | |
| 2004 | Poutama Pounamu Research Institue |
2016
The 2016 Group Award recipients were the University of Canterbury's Te Rū Rangahau - Māori Research Laboratory. The Leadership Team: Professor Angus Macfarlane (Ngāti Whakaue), Associate Professor Sonja Macfarlane (Ngāti Waewae), Professor Gail Gillon (Ngāi Tahu), Kaiurungi Te Hurinui Clarke (Tūhourangi – Ngāti Wāhiao), Dr James Graham (Ngāti Kahungunu).
The wider team: Dr Mere Skerrett, Annabel Ahuriri-Driscoll, Rachel Martin, Tufulasi Taleni, Dr Richard Manning, Professor Letitia Fickel, Melissa Derby, Benita Rarere-Briggs, Dr Brigid McNeill, Dr Amy Scott, Distinguished Professor Niki Davis, Associate Professor Una Cunningham.
A key feature of Te Rū Rangahau’s success is its foundation in Te Ao Māori. It is Māori led and exemplifies how Mātauranga Māori can be woven into traditional Western research approaches to realise more meaningful research outcomes. As Professor Wally Penetito noted “ … its researchers, its activities, and its mauri abides by the essence of concepts and values from Te Ao Māori” and in doing so “makes a valuable contribution to local, national and international research”. Clearly, the research undertaken by Te Rū Rangahau is wide ranging, relevant to the needs and aspirations of Māori and Indigenous peoples more broadly. With a focus on collaboration, connections and networks have been established with researchers located throughout Aotearoa and internationally, resulting in engagement in a large number of projects, too numerous to mention individually.
2015
The 2015 Group Award recipients were the University of Waikato's Te Kotahitanga Research and Professional Development Team. Professor Russell Bishop, Associate Professor Mere Berryman, Therese Ford, Margaret Egan, Dawn Lawrence, Te AraniBarrett, Iti Joyce, Robbie Lamont.
The use of kaupapa Māori principles and methodologies, as well as the volition to establish productive Treaty-based partnerships with non-Māori, has resulted in indigenous expertise driving culturally responsive provision for Māori students in New Zealand secondary school contexts. Recognised across and within communities locally, nationally and internationally, Te Kotahitanga as a research and professional development initiative, has made a major impact on Māori students’ levels of engagement and achievement. In doing so the Te Kotahitanga team has been successful in supporting schools and their communities to reduce educational disadvantage and disparity.
The 2012 Group award recipients were The University of Auckland's Success for All. Research team members included Dr Airini, Dr Deidre Brown, Dr Elana Curtis, Fred Luatua, Mona O’Shea, Dr Te Oti Rakena, Gillian Reynolds, Tanya Savage, Angie Smith, Matthew Tarawa and Sonia Townsend-Fonua with current and former University of Auckland colleagues: Odie Johnson, Pale Sauni, To’aiga Su’a Huirua, Meryl Ulugia-Pua, Sofi Ulugia-Pua.
2012
The 2012 Group award recipients were The University of Auckland's Success for All. Research team members included Dr Airini, Dr Deidre Brown, Dr Elana Curtis, Fred Luatua, Mona O’Shea, Dr Te Oti Rakena, Gillian Reynolds, Tanya Savage, Angie Smith, Matthew Tarawa and Sonia Townsend-Fonua with current and former University of Auckland colleagues: Odie Johnson, Pale Sauni, To’aiga Su’a Huirua, Meryl Ulugia-Pua, Sofi Ulugia-Pua.