Whakamōhio mai
About
Ko wai mātou
Who we are
Established in Ōtepoti Dunedin in 1984, The Donald Beasley Institute is recognised nationally and internationally as a leader in disability research and disabled-led research. We are a team of disabled and non-disabled researchers living throughout Aotearoa.
Our team is culturally diverse, with a range of lived and intersectional experiences and a high level of academic expertise. We are committed to building the knowledge, skills and capacity of emerging disabled researchers.
Kā Mātāpono
Our Values
All our research is guided by kā mātāpono - our values. These values have underpinned the DBI's mahi throughout our history. Our values are lived everyday through our relationships with each other and with the people we engage with within our research mahi. All research and projects are developed around these values.
Whakatinana
Honour Te Tiriti O Waitangi
Mā te aroā o Te Tīriti o Waitangi, ka ora ai te mauri o kā takata o Aotearoa
By honouring our roles and responsibilities under Te Tīriti o Waitangi, we aspire to ensure that our nation's founding document is reflected in our practice.
Whakarakatira
Respectful
Mā te whakarakatira i te tapu o te takata, ka ora ai tātou
By respecting the uniqueness of each person, our collective well-being will be enhanced.
Whakawhanaukataka
Relational
Mā te whakawhanaukataka, ka roko ai
From authentic connections comes transformation.
Whakamana
Ethical
Mā te whakamana i te tikaka, ka āhei ai tātou
Through upholding the dignity of others, our goals can be achieved.
Whānau
Family
Mā te hāpai i te whānau, kā tōnui tō tātou haerekatahi
Through uplifting whānau, our journey together will be one of prosperity.
Whakakotahi
Inclusive
Mā te whakakotahi, ka eke panuku tahi ai tātou
Through inclusion, the quality of our work is strengthened.
Whakawhirinaki
Accountable
Mā te whakawhirinaki, ka puāwai ai
Through working with accountability, we help those around us to flourish.
Kā Tohu
Our Logo
The DBI's tohu depicts the round shape of a wharerau, a temporary shelter once built at mahika kai sites (food gathering areas). The top of the wharerau sits above the earth with a rau (lined pit) below. As a place of shelter and protection, the wharerau reflects the DBI’s commitment to working respectfully alongside whānau whaikaha to grow knowledge and understanding. The centre area in the tohu reflects the door to the wharerau; it is a fluid space to enter, to leave, it is inclusive, and it is welcoming. It is the manawa (heart) of the wharerau.
Within the tohu, kōwhaiwhai patterns represent the DBI’s whakapapa (history), mātāpono (values), mahi (work), and commitment to whānau whaikaha (disabled people and their families). The different koru recognise the importance of wai (nourishment) to our wairua (spirit), mauri (life force) between all living things, strength and tenacity of our mahi, and our journey and aspirations as kairakahau whaikaha (disabled researchers) me kā kairakahau (and researchers).
Our beautiful tohu was designed by Morgan Darlison at Kaitiaki Studios.