He Whenua Taurikura is an independent National Centre of Research Excellence hosted by Victoria University of Wellington.
He Whenua Taurikura translates to ‘a land at peace’. The Centre’s purpose is to contribute to an Aotearoa where everyone is safe in their diverse identities, by producing and coordinating research into countering and preventing terrorism and violent extremism, while promoting social cohesion. We are committed to research that contributes to social inclusion, which reflects the nation’s diversity and enhances community wellbeing.
The Centre was established in response to recommendation 14 of the Royal Commission of Inquiry report into the terrorist attack on Christchurch masjidain. In June 2022, the Centre was launched at Parliament by the Prime Minister, Rt Hon Jacinda Ardern and the Hon Andrew Little, the Minister responsible for implementing the recommendations of the Royal Commission of Inquiry. The inaugural Co-Directors of the Centre are Professor Joanna Kidman and Distinguished Professor Emeritus Paul Spoonley.
With Te Tiriti o Waitangi and tikanga Māori at the heart of its operations, the Centre aims to strengthen partnerships between researchers, civil society and government to support participatory approaches to whakahōtaetae – preventing terrorism and violent extremism in Aotearoa New Zealand. The Centre will support research that helps to counter violent extremism with evidence-based, high-quality scholarly inquiry.
News
2024 Postgraduate Scholarships
The application round has now closed for 2024 He Whenua Taurikura Master’s and PhD scholarships.
Scholarships are open to students enrolling or planning to enrol at any New Zealand university or tertiary institute. For full details visit Funding Information.
24 October - 15 December 2023
The First Phase Coronial Inquest of the Christchurch Masjidain Attack. He Whenua Taurikura remembers the 51 shuhada who lost their lives in the terrorist attack, and acknowledges the families, survivors and witnesses.