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Not One More Acre of Māori Land, Not One More Voice Lost

By Hinehou Timutimu

My research project, Not One More Acre of Māori Land, Not One More Voice Lost, was inspired by Dame Whina Cooper’s historic call to protect Māori land and explored a contemporary challenge facing Aotearoa’s agri-sector: ensuring that participation leads to influence, and that the voices of women are not lost within the systems and networks that shape decision-making.

Drawing on interviews with women from across New Zealand, the research examined the role of networks in supporting participation, leadership development, resilience, and opportunity. The findings highlighted the critical contribution women make across farming businesses, governance, industry organisations, rural communities, and whānau. Networks were consistently identified as important spaces for learning, support, connection, and growth.

However, the research also revealed an important distinction between participation and influence. While women are actively contributing across the sector, their contributions are not always reflected in positions of authority, visibility, or decision-making. Many participants described leadership as relational rather than positional—expressed through service, mentorship, community building, knowledge sharing, and creating opportunities for others. These contributions are essential to the success of the sector but are often overlooked within traditional leadership models.

For me, the research became deeply personal because it was impossible to separate the findings from my own whakapapa. As a descendant of
Te Teira Manuka of Te Ātiawa, I carry a connection to the contested sale at Waitara, the Taranaki land wars, and one of the defining conflicts in Aotearoa’s history. Throughout my research, I became increasingly aware that questions of participation, influence, representation, and voice are not new. They sit at the heart of our national story. While Dame Whina Cooper’s call,“Not One More Acre of Māori Land,” spoke to the protection of whenua, my research led me to consider a parallel challenge for our generation: Not One More Voice Lost. The question Kei hea taku reo? became more than a research question—it became a personal challenge to understand my own voice, use it with purpose, and help create opportunities for others to be heard

Kellogg reinforced that effective leadership is not about titles or status. It is about understanding systems, building relationships, contributing with authenticity, and having the courage to step forward when it matters most. The programme strengthened my commitment to governance, leadership development, and creating pathways for wāhine Māori to participate, lead, and influence across the agri-sector and beyond.

I leave Kellogg with stronger networks, increased confidence, a clearer sense of purpose, and a deeper understanding of my own leadership journey. Most importantly, I leave with a commitment to continue advocating for participation, visibility, and influence—ensuring that future generations inherit not only whenua, but also the confidence, capability, and opportunity to have their voices heard.

Not One More Acre of Māori Land, Not One More Voice Lost is both a reflection on our past and a vision for our future.

……….Kei hea taku reo?

You can read Hinehou’s full Kellogg Rural Leadership Programme report HERE.