As the crones fly

Abstract

Catalysed by conversations amongst a group of colleagues, this article is an initial exploration of what happens to women academics aged 60+ who work in a university in Aotearoa New Zealand. This work is an example of when academic theories, in this case feminism, are called forth by real-world experiences – in this case, increasing academic job insecurity, catalysed by post-pandemic economic shortfalls. We blend together personal anecdotes and feminist analysis to show how women’s academic careers, which are commonly constrained by motherhood in their younger years, are also curtailed at the senior end by processes of voluntary/involuntary retirement, as and when demanded by adverse fiscal conditions.

Keywords:

• Collective writing
• crone
• feminism
• kuia
• mentoring
• post-menopause

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Georgina Tuari Stewart

Georgina Tuari Stewart is Professor of Māori Philosophy of Education at Auckland University of Technology. Deputy Editor of this journal (EPAT) and Co-Editor of NZJES, New Zealand Journal of Educational Studies. She coordinates the AUT Eke Tangaroa programme for Māori and Pacific early career academics.

Nesta Devine

Nesta Devine is Professor of Philosophy of Education at Auckland University of Technology, and Fellow of the Philosophy of Education Society of Australasia. Associate Editor of this journal (EPAT), Co-Editor of NZJES, and Editor of ACCESS: Contemporary Issues in Education and New Zealand Journal of Teachers Work.

Chris Jenkin

Chris Jenkin is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Education, Auckland University of Technology, and has over 55 years of involvement in early childhood and primary education and initial teacher education. Her research interests include bicultural development, gender and equity issues, research ethics, and practitioner research.

Yo Heta-Lensen

Yo Heta-Lensen is a Senior Lecturer in Te Kura Mātauranga/the School of Education, Auckland University of Technology, lecturing in the Bachelor of Education and Master of Teaching and Learning initial teacher education programmes. Her research uses autoethnographic, Kaupapa Māori and appreciative inquiry approaches to explore Tirititanga and re-indigenisation as praxis.

Lisa Maurice-Takerei

Lisa Maurice-Takerei is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Education at Auckland University of Technology, interested in and committed to teaching and learning as an opportunity for transformation. Her research is focussed on vocational education and training (VET), VET educators, and the work of educators in providing for a more equitable society.

Margaret Joan Stuart

Margaret Joan Stuart is an Independent Researcher, formerly an academic at Wintec and Te Rito Maioha lecturing in early childhood education. Her doctoral research investigated the effects of neoliberal economic policies on education. Her current research focuses on topical issues in biculturalism and the teaching of New Zealand histories.

Sue Middleton

Sue Middleton is Professor Emeritus in the Wilf Malcolm Institute for Educational Research at the University of Waikato. Her research has explored New Zealanders’ involvement in the production, circulation and ‘uptake’ of educational (including feminist) ideas at multiple levels - biographical, institutional, local/national, international and global.