This paper explores how traditional and contemporary interpretations of whakapapa can be applied by Māori researchers when engaging in research with Māori communities today. It is through whakapapa that the organisation of knowledge in respect of the creation and development of all things legitimates a Māori world-view, which is at the heart of Māori knowledge, Māori ways of knowing and Māori ways of acquiring new knowledge. Accordingly, a research methodology framed by whakapapa not only authenticates Māori epistemology and its rightful place among research traditions, it also supports the notion of whakapapa research methodology throughout the indigenous world; indigenous peoples researching among their indigenous communities worldwide. Indigenous identity is strengthened, as is the contribution of the notion of whakapapa to Indigenous research paradigms worldwide.