​Taryn's Research

Taryn's research is focused on the intersection between Maori worldviews and systematic theology. 

Her master's thesis, Kaumatua Ahi Tere; Kaumatua Ahi Ka: Considering a Theology of Adoption How it Relates to the Maori Practice of Whangai, looked at the connections between the Maori cultural practice of whangai and adoption theology, and revealed that both whangai and biblical adoption could be located within the wider understandings of family, kinship and community. This work was awarded distinction. 

Her PhD project, Naku te rourou nau te rourou ka ora ai te iwi: Evaluating the relationship between a theology of community and Maori worldviews, looks at the theology of community that can be found in the work of Stanley Grenz, and compares and contrasts Maori understandings of community with Grenz’s theology. It is Taryn's hope that a deeper understanding of how Maori worldviews might relate with a theology of community, may allow for an enriched understanding of the underlying beliefs that are embedded within Maori cultural practices such as whangai. 

​In 2019, Taryn was named a Kupe Scholar by the Ministry of Education.