During my time as Professor of Indigenous Development, University of Auckland 2009-2014
About
Kia ora!
My name is Te Ahukaramū Charles Royal. I am a Composer and Performer of Music and Story and a Researcher and Teacher of Indigenous Knowledge including mātauranga Māori and iwi histories and traditions. I also Advise and Lead Projects and People, particularly to do with the ‘creative potential’ of the indigenous Māori dimension of Aotearoa-New Zealand. You can read more about my work below and about my current projects here.
Composer and Performer
Music and Story
Performing at the Gallagher Academy of Performing Arts, Waikato University, Hamilton, 2010
I love music and storytelling - they are some of humankind’s great treasures. Music and story are magical as they can change us and the world around us. We need music, poetry and stories to awaken, inspire and remind us of the wonder of life. We also need to be challenged, provoked and taught too. Music and story can do all of this and wonderfully so.
I compose and perform music and stories and have created for performers of many kinds - soloists, chamber groups, choirs and orchestras. I also compose popular waiata/songs, have experimented with traditional Māori approaches to music making and I perform as well. You can learn more about my music and story making experiences here.
Researcher and Teacher
indigenous knowledge
Performing in the whare tapere at Waimangō, Firth of Thames, Hauraki 2011.
I discovered the wonder of indigenous knowledge - including mātauranga Māori and iwi histories and traditions - during my university years. To that point, I had resisted learning anything about my Māori identity; however, during my time at university I went through an identity crisis which saw me plunge deep into the iwi/Māori/indigenous world. After a long time learning and exploring, I now regard indigenous knowledge as, undoubtedly, one of the great treasures/taonga of our nation and of the world. There is such a richness and beauty to be found there.
I spend my time exploring and applying indigenous knowledge in the world today. This includes strengthening and, sometimes, reawakening the indigenous foundation of iwi/Māori communities and investigating indigeneity as an important wisdom for all humanity. It is also about understanding the lessons of the historical colonisation and contemporary experience of indigenous peoples. What lessons can we take from this history and experience for how we ought to treat with one another? You can learn more about my work as a researcher and teacher of indigenous knowledge here.
Adviser and Thought Leader
PROJECTS AND PEOPLE
Speaking at a conference convened by James Cook University, Queensland, Australia 2012
The indigenous Māori dimension of Aotearoa-New Zealand society, culture and economy has much to offer our country and our world. It can contribute positively to the institutions and organisations of our nation and I love the idea of an ‘indigenously inspired western democracy’. I am motivated by a new Aotearoa-New Zealand that both addresses obligations and yields opportunities represented in the Treaty of Waitangi. For these general purposes, I serve on committees, lead and facilitate projects and offer consultancy services. You can read about my projects, my committee responsibilities and my consultancy work here.
CURRENT ACTIVITIES
BRIEF CURRICULUM VITAE
PROFILE STATEMENTS/IMAGES
IWI-TRIBAL AFFILIATIONS