Ko Wai Mātou – Who Are We? The Donald Beasley Institute

The Donald Beasley Institute (DBI) advances the rights of disabled people and honours Te Tiriti o Waitangi through ethical, inclusive and transformative research. Established in Ōtepoti Dunedin in 1984, the DBI is recognised nationally and internationally as a leader in inclusive and disabled-led research. We are social justice-oriented with a 40-year history.

Our mahi spans many areas and issues critical to disabled people, disabled communities, families, whānau and close supporters. Our work also impacts the broader disability sector, including health and well-being, abuse and violence, access to justice, and the implementation and monitoring of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.  

Our team includes disabled and non-disabled researchers who live across Aotearoa. Collectively, we bring high academic expertise from many disciplines and diverse lived and intersectional experiences. The DBI is committed to supporting new and emerging disabled researchers, consistently creating opportunities for increased capability and capacity in disability research in Aotearoa.  Our mahi is underpinned by kā mātāpono, our DBI research values: Whakatinana – Honouring Te Tiriti o Waitangi through our practice, Whakarakatira – Being Respectful, Whakawhanaukataka – Being Relational, Whakamana – Being Ethical, Whakawhirinaki – Being Accountable, Whakakotahi – Being Inclusive, and Whānau – Through uplifting whānau, our journey will be one of prosperity. 

DBI’s mahi, history, and research values are reflected in our tohu. The 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.