Qualifications
Research Interests
Phil Borell has been researching and teaching in Aotahi: School of Māori and Indigenous Studies since 2008. Phil graduated his MA with Distinction in 2013. His thesis provides a thorough analysis of Māori contributions to the sport of rugby league between 1908 and 2012.
In 2016 he began work on his PhD thesis, titled 'PolySaturated: An Examination of Polynesian Experiences in Professional Rugby League'. He is due to complete this project early 2021. This doctoral thesis utilizes Māori and Pasifika research methods (Pūrākau and Talanoa) to give voice to the experiences of Polynesian (Māori and Pasifika) athletes in professional rugby league.
Phil's research has grown out of his time as a rugby league player, fan and now as a trainer in Canterbury's Premier Reserve rugby league competition.
Phil has also published written works examining Māori sporting practices; indigenous masculinity; the politics of sport in Aotearoa-New Zealand; and sport and education in Aotearoa-New Zealand. His current research, both within and outside of his PhD thesis, has a focus on critiquing and rewriting dated narratives of Polynesian masculinity and using sport as a platform for de-colonial practice.
Recent Publications
- Borell P. (2022) PolySaturated: Illuminating the experiences of Polynesian athletes in professional rugby league. Christchurch. University of Canterbury.
- Bennett C., Matunga H., Steyl S., Borell P., Dionisio R. and Hāpuku A. (2021) Mana whenua engagement in Crown and Local Authority-initiated environmental planning processes: A critique based on the perspectives of Ngāi Tahu environmental kaitiaki. New Zealand Geographer 77(2): 63-75. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/nzg.12304.
- Borell PJ. (2017) Whāia te ngākau ō Māui: Aotahi, Māui Lab and how we can benefit the world. Nagano University, Ueda, Japan: Invited guest lecture, 17 Jun 2017.
- Borell PJ. (2017) Tāonga Tākaro: Kiorahi for hauora. Christchurch: Kotahi Mano Wāwata, 16 Sep 2017.
- Borell PJ. and Kahi HK. (2017) Sport, Leisure and Culture in Māori Society. In Spracklen K; Lashua B; Sharpe E; Swain S (Ed.), The Palgrave Handbook of Leisure Theory: 127-141.Palgrave Macmillan. http://dx.doi.org/10.1057/978-1-137-56479-5_8.