“Māori society has its own distinctive knowledge base. This knowledge base has its origins in the metaphysical realm and emanates as a Kaupapa Māori ‘body of knowledge’ accumulated by experiences through history, of the Māori people. This Kaupapa Māori knowledge is the systematic organisation of beliefs, experiences, understandings and interpretations of the interactions of Māori people upon Māori people, and Māori people upon their world.”
Tuakana Nepe (1991)

“A Kaupapa Māori base (Māori philosophy and principles) i.e. local theoretical positioning related to being Māori, such a position presupposes that: The validity and legitimacy of Māori language and culture is taken for granted; The survival and revival of Māori language and culture is imperative; The struggle for autonomy over our own cultural wellbeing, and over our own lives is vital to Māori survival.”
Graham Hingangaroa Smith (1990)

“The concept of Kaupapa implies a way of framing and structuring how we think about those ideas and practices.”
Linda Tuhiwai Smith (1996)

“Kaupapa Māori knowledge is the systematic organisation of beliefs, experiences, understandings and interpretations of the interactions of Māori people upon Māori people, and Māori people upon their world.”
Tuakana Nepe (1991)