Dr Hutchings is the Manager of Te Wāhanga at NZCER. She is an experienced kaupapa Māori researcher whose research with Māori communities, hapu and whanau spans the Māori education, environment, health and social justice areas. Jessica is committed to developing and supporting critical thinking that challenges colonial hegemonic norms. She works from a decolonising paradigm where Māori and indigenous knowledge and wisdom is honoured, engaged, valued and protected.

Background / Whakapapa

Prior to joining NZCER, Dr Hutchings held a Health Research Council Post-Doctoral Fellowship in which she conducted a three year study entitled ‘Hauora practice led frameworks for health related new technologies’. This post-doctoral research was hosted by Te Pumana Hauora at Massey University. Prior to this Jessica was the inaugural fellow at Te Mata o Te Tau also at Massey University. Jessica has worked for 11 years at Victoria University lecturing in Māori environmental management, Māori science and gender and development.

Jessica is also a Hua Parakore (organic) farmer and grower and is strongly involved with the work of Te Waka Kai Ora, (National Māori Organics Organisation). Jessica lives on a small farm north of Wellington where she grows certified organic kai for whānau.

Research interests

Jessica’s research interests include:

• Engaging in Kaupapa Māori research, methods and thinking
• Kaupapa Māori evaluation
• Māori sustainability knowledge
• Transforming Māori education
• Hua Parakore/Māori Organics
• Takatapui / Māori Gay, Lesbian, Bi-Sexual Transgender and Queer
• Race and Gender discourses
• Māori and Indigenous Environmental Management
• Science technology and society
• Mana wahine, genetic modification and new technologies