since moved to the National University of Singapore.">

By Steve Pointing 09/02/2016

We wanted to share our experience and so have just released a new video on the Sci21 websiteby conservationist Dr John Perrott, acknowledging the value and integrity of Mātauranga Māori in science.

Here is a quote from John on this issue:

“Indigenous knowledge is enshrined in New Zealand’s culture and legislation through the Treaty of Waitangi. The importance Māori place on the environment, and native flora and fauna in particular is demonstrated in Māori art, oral narratives and proverbial sayings. Understanding Māori knowledge and cultural norms is essential for science practitioners in New Zealand if they are to build effective working relationships with Māori communities.

The power dynamics that exist within educational and research relationships change when collaborations are formed between researchers and indigenous peoples.  Collaboration is about sharing with and learning from one another. Māori term this style of collaborative learning ‘Ako’, meaning two-way learning relationships. Educational and research relationships with Māori stumble at times because of a failure by scientists to understand and value Ako.

To communicate science to Māori groups scientists must first learn to engage their values. Mātauranga Māori highlights the importance of understanding the interrelated connectedness between people, the things we do, and our values. It accentuates the importance of valuing people and human life and connects the scientist and the learner by stressing the importance of ensuring emerging ideas and technology are not created at the expense of first nation peoples or the natural world.

Ako processes place at the forefront the guiding principles of dignity and mana (prestige) of all those engaging in the collaboration process. The key principles of Ako emphasise the learning environment via maintaining the mana of all participants.”

Featured image: Flickr CC, Carsten Tolkmit.