In Aotearoa-New Zealand there continue to be enduring challenges from Maori scholars and communities about the ethics of Pakeha educational researcher involvement in Maori communities. This paper critically discusses how understanding forms of Pakeha paralysis is an important component of creating sustainable and inclusive educational research capabilities with Maori. It suggests that applying the concept of non-stupid optimism is a powerful idea in this pursuit. Drawing on a recent study of what Pakeha are learning from their engagement in kaupapa Maori educational research, the article identifies a set of non-stupid dispositions and capabilities that address Pakeha paralysis, and strengthen Maori-Pakeha research relations into the future. Non-stupid optimism offers a new knowledge contribution regarding Maori and Pakeha research dispositions and capabilities.