Generating 'Non-stupid Optimism': Addressing Pakeha¯ Paralysis in Maori Educational Research

In Aotearoa-New Zealand there continue to be enduring challenges from Māori scholars and communities about the ethics of Pākehā educational researcher involvement in Māori communities. This paper critically discusses how understanding forms of Pākehā paralysis is an important component of creating sustainable and inclusive educational research capabilities with Māori. It suggests that applying the concept of non-stupid optimism is a powerful idea in this pursuit. Drawing on a recent study of what Pākehā are learning from their engagement in kaupapa Māori educational research, the article identifies a set of non-stupid dispositions and capabilities that address Pākehā paralysis, and strengthen Māori-Pākehā research relations into the future. Non-stupid optimism offers a new knowledge contribution regarding Māori and Pākehā research dispositions and capabilities.