Many of the roots of Dramatic Inquiry can be traced back to the work of internationally acclaimed educator Dorothy Heathcote (1926–2011). Heathcote visited Aotearoa New Zealand in the 1970s and 1980s and teachers who attended her workshops still remember the impact of those experiences. Others recall her keynote address at the 2009 Weaving our Stories conference in Kirikiriroa, Hamilton. As Dramatic Inquiry evolves in new directions in response to the unique bicultural context of Aotearoa New Zealand, we acknowledge the foundations within Heathcotes work and continue to learn from, and be inspired by, her legacy.

Image from: Journal for Drama in Education: Dorothy Heathcote Special issue 28,3 2012- NATD

UK-based Tim Taylor (author of A beginners guide to Mantle of the Expert and covenor of www.mantleoftheexpert.com) has a special interest in how Dramatic Inquiry approaches are used around the world, including within the cultural context of Aotearoa New Zealand. Tim has visited Aotearoa on several occasions for conferences and workshops. He regularly participates in Zoom calls and podcast conversations with teachers and we are so pleased to have him as our kaiarahi / mentor, providing ongoing support and professional development in Dramatic Inquiry to our Awhi Rito team and cluster leaders.

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Rawiri Hindle is our Kaitohu Tikanga / Cultural Advisor and friend to the Dramatic Inquiry Network trust. Rawiri's research and practice in Ngā toi, and his emphasis on indigenous ways of being, becoming and knowing, have influenced our direction as a trust and Network of Expertise. With Rawiri's guidance, we are excited to embark on a journey where we explore and evolve our understandings of Dramatic Inquiry as a culturally sustaining approach to teaching and learning within Aotearoa New Zealand.

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