Moving from Te Kore to Te Pō

My research journey was launched in Te Kore, when the opportunity to conduct specialized brain research within my papa kainga ignited a deeply held personal drive. This launch was characterised by the diverse epistemological tides of bioengineering, psychology and medical physics. These respective epistemologies represented areas of darkness for me, as my background was neither in engineering nor medical physics. However, a pivotal summer internship at Mātai significantly enhanced my MRI and bioengineering research skills, marking the beginning of my transition from Te Kore toward Te Pō [11]. The culmination of this transformation is represented by the creation of the Proton Poi waiata - a cultural artefact that celebrates the conceptual link between MRI proton spin and kapa haka. Funded by Ngā Pae Māramatanga, this poi waiata was deeply rooted in both culture and environment, fostering strong engagement with local iwi. As I sailed into Te Pō, my focus shifted toward community engagement. I composed the Proton Poi as a koha to enhance community engagement and align our efforts with community needs and values to maximize the impact of our kaupapa.

Proton Poi

Choreography
This poi performance symbolizes the entire MRI sequencing pipeline, with each row representing a different MRI slice, reflecting the axial, sagittal, and coronal planes. This choreography offers the audience multiple perspectives, akin to viewing the body from different angles in an MRI scan; demonstrating the technology’s layered imaging approach. The choreography emulates how MRI scans layer these slices to create a comprehensive image, linking traditional Mãori kapa haka performance with modern medical imaging technology.

The choreography tempo parallels the operational dynamics of an MRI scanner, starting with slow, steady poi rhythms that mimic the scanner’s low-frequency magnetic sequences. As the imaging needs intensify, the tempo increases, reflecting the MRI’s higher frequency pulses for detailed imaging. This peak mirrors the scanner at full capacity, capturing precise data quickly. Eventually, the tempo decelerates, symbolizing the scanner’s magnetic fields returning to a resting state. This choreography artistically interprets the MRI’s technical processes, blending scientific principles with traditional cultural expressions.

The Waiata
The Waiata covers two fundamental physics themes crucial to MRI technology—spin and magnetic field strength—which form the basis for exploring scientific inquiry. The first verse, “Huri and Hurihuri,” delves into proton spin and transformation, using a repetitive meter to mirror the MRI’s spin movements, which highlights key principles like the Fourier Transformation. The second verse, “Karanga Mai,” personifies Quantum Physics (Ahupūngao), explaining how protons are compelled to follow the scanner’s magnetic pulse. This verse draws parallels between the influence of a magnetic field and the karanga during a pōwhiri, illustrating a resonance between scientific and Māori cultural practices. Similar to how protons respond to a magnetic pulse, tāngata are compelled to follow the karanga call. This dynamic emphasizes the alignment and obedience between both realms, enhancing the understanding of how traditional Māori protocols mirror fundamental physical responses observed in scientific phenomena.

The third verse, “Ko Wai Koe?”, uses deductive reasoning and hypothesis testing to uncover the identity of the external force affecting protons, emphasizing the role of research and innovation in MRI development. This narrative traces Ahupūngao’s origins, symbolizing a transition from darkness (Te Kore) to enlightenment (Te Ao Mārama) and highlighting the potential of MRI technology to improve Māori health outcomes. This integration shows how combining traditional knowledge with modern science can advance healthcare research and applications