Māori & Science

Three case studies go some way toward facilitating better interactions between Tangata Whenua and the Scientific Community. Three case studies were conducted with three Māori groups that have problem-solved an issue by the engagement with science/technology and mātauranga Māori (indigenous knowledge).

1. Effectiveness of a relationship between hapū and science providers - a case study between the Tangata Whenua of the Ngāti Kere Rohe and the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research Ltd (NIWA). Jenny Mauger & Dallas Pahiri

2. He kōrero mō tī kouka - a case study of the interaction between Te Rōpū Raranga Whatu O Aotearoa and Manaaki Whenua/Landcare Research. Suzanne Pitama & Morehu Henare

3. Mapping kaimoana - a case study of interaction between Otaraua hapū and Fletcher Challenge Energy scientists. Colleen Tuuta & Tom Hunt

Good Practice Guidelines were developed from this research.

Māori views on genetic engineering are not new in the sense that we have always known of the importance of whakapapa (genealogy) and mauri (life principle). What is relatively new is the notion of genetic engineering and, in particular, transgenics. There are key people who have been speaking to these issues, and the issues of cultural and intellectual property, for the past decade. In 1999-2000 we explored the views of 24 key informants as well as the thoughts and concerns of 94 ‘ordinary’ people who participated in research hui.

Three broad and inter-related areas were examined:

1. Food, including food production and the issue of labelling of food.

2. Human health, including genetic testing and genetic solutions to health issues.

3. Biological diversity, including issues related to indigenous flora and fauna.