Expertise

Sharon has a law background and is a dedicated Kaupapa Māori researcher and Consultant. She is an accomplished academic leader, having held senior positions at Te Wananga o Aotearoa and research positions at the University of Waikato and the University of Auckland. Her 2019 Doctoral research, titled "A Mana Wahine Inquiry into Indigenous Governance," aimed to empower Māori women and explore the unique strengths and challenges they face in tribal governance and leadership roles. She has developed a Mana Wahine Theory which examines the role of Wahine Māori in whānau, hapū, and iwi leadership and decision-making.

As the 2014 Ngā Pae o te Māramatanga Fulbright scholar, Sharon collaborated with Indigenous and international researchers at the University of Arizona – Indigenous People’s Law and Policy Centre to advance Indigenous governance practices, promoting self-determination and equitable tribal decision-making. Her co-authored publication, "Mana Wahine: Decolonising Governance?", critically examines the decolonization of indigenous governance systems from a Mana Wahine perspective. With over two decades of academic experience, Sharon has taught and mentored students, inspiring them to engage critically with indigenous knowledge and contribute to positive social change. 

Key Contributions

Governance: 

• (2021 – present) NZVCC – Academic Quality Audit Committee – Board  

• (2020 – present) Fulbright Awards Panel – Ngā Pae o te Māramatanga Centre of Research Excellence Representative & Panel Member 

• (2020 – present) Bald Angels Charitable Trust – Board member 

• (2012-present) Te Mahurehure Marae/ cultural & events centre – Board member  

Publications:  

• S. Toi (2019). A Mana Wahine Inquiry into Indigenous Governance (Thesis, Doctor of Philosophy, PhD). The University of Waikato. 

• S. Toi (2018). Mana Wahine: Decolonising Governance? In Hendry, J., Tatum, M.L., Jorgensen, M., Howard-Wagner, D (eds) Indigenous Justice: new tools, approaches, and Spaces. 

• Otiria, C., Hohepa, M., Jenkins, K., Mane, J., Sherman-Godinet, D., & Toi, S. (2004). THE EVALUATION OF TE PÜTAHITANGA MÄTAURANGA. 

• Smith, L., Cram, F., Smith, G. H., Toi, S., Karehana, M., & Kamira, R. (2001). Te Hiringa i te Mahara: Final evaluation report. Research report to Gardiner and Parata Ltd.