This thesis examines pathways to leadership for Māori women from a pre-colonial timeframe to post-treaty. Where Māori words have been included in this study in the first instance, a translation is provided in brackets. Of significance in this study are the pre-colonial Māori educational models where Māori women leaders were nurtured and developed. These models were relevant to the environment of that time. In the chapters that follow it will be argued that there is a need for pathways to support Māori women into leadership positions. These arguments are born out of the lack of Māori women leaders in crucial roles where decisions are made for society. While contemporary wānanga (educational institutes) strive to adhere to traditional Māori practices of learning, there is a need to implement a strategy that will return the balance between Māori women and men in leadership positions.