New Zealand Women's Law Journal - Te Aho Kawe Kaupapa Ture a ngā Wāhine, 2017, 1: 32-50

Where are the wāhine toa? — strong women who fight in the face of immense societal challenges? Are women’s roles in a tikanga Māori framework still becoming of strong women? This article examines women’s roles in tikanga over time through case studies from Māori mythology, the pre/early-European contact and postcolonisation periods as well as interviews with Māori women in the legal profession today. It argues that traditionally tikanga demonstrated value and respect for women. However, limits to the applicability of tikanga and breakdowns in Māori society over time have led to serious challenges for women performing tikanga roles. It concludes that strong women are here still, all around us, and for the most part, women’s tikanga roles are becoming of strong women. However, to some extent, women roles in tikanga should change to better support women’s aspirations, in accordance with traditional Māori values that recognise women’s worth. (Author's abstract). Record #5734