Māori Research Partnerships
Genuine consideration of Māori interests is integral to ensuring that research proposals and projects are robust and transparent to the Māori community. Here at Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha / University of Canterbury (UC), we are uniquely placed as to work in partnership with UC’s Ngāi Tahu Research Centre (NTRC). The NTRC was established as a joint initiative between Ngāi Tahu and UC to be a leader in indigenous scholarship and to provide a centre for the intellectual capital and development of Ngāi Tahu. UC also has an exclusive Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the local hapū, Ngāi Tūāhuriri, which outlines the principles and mechanisms for working together.
Where Māori are included in research through co-design opportunities, through connecting as participants or through consultation, this will ensure cultural oversight has been planned for, which will increase the likelihood that Māori are authentically impacted by the research outcomes. The survival and expansion of Mātauranga Māori will be determined by the ability of Māori, whānau, hapū and iwi to contribute to its continuing development as a living, vibrant and dynamic knowledge system that shapes our lives. It is a right that is upheld in both He Whakaputanga/Declaration of Independence and Te Tiriti o Waitangi/The Treaty of Waitangi. The exchange of knowledge between Māori and researchers is of benefit to both parties and can improve research outcomes for all New Zealanders by ensuring a breadth of knowledge across both western and Māori worlds are shared.
Government research funders expect a demonstrated commitment to ensuring research is responsive to the diverse needs and interests of Māori as well as advancing outcomes for, with and by Māori. The Health Research Council expect research institutions to demonstrate the quality and extent of their partnership and relationship with Māori through consultation and discussion with Māori, HRC Maori Health Advancement Guidelines.pdf . The Ministry of Business, Employment and Innovation have embedded their Vision Mātauranga Policy into their research funding processes, to unlock the science and innovation potential of Māori knowledge (Mātauranga Māori), resources and people, in its priority investment areas.
Kaiārahi Rangahau Māori are here to help.
The role of the Kaiārahi Rangahau Māori is to work with academic staff in order to:
- Facilitate consultation processes for research proposals and projects and support Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury’s strategic direction and vision in relation to Māori partnerships;
- Develop a framework for engagement with Māori stakeholders and broker research partnerships;
- Develop and implement professional development amongst the University’s research community in mātauranga Māori, enabling and supporting researchers to integrate Vision Mātauranga into their research;
- Assist Māori academic staff to develop their research capability and identify and secure appropriate funding sources for their research.
- Facilitate consultation with Ngāi Tahu Consultation and Engagement Group (NTCEG) through the use of the form.
For further guidance and support contact:
Tipene Merritt
Kaiārahi Rangahau Māori (Faculty of Engineering & Faculty of Science)
Research & Innovation Office, Psychology-Sociology Lab Block Room 244
Phone: +6433691529 / Internal Phone: 91529
tipene.merritt@canterbury.ac.nz
Sarah Wiki-Bennett
Kaiārahi Rangahau Māori (Faculty of Arts, Faculty of Education, Faculty of Health, Faculty of Law & UC Business School)
Research & Innovation Office, Psychology-Sociology Lab Block Room 244
Phone: +6433690226 / Internal Phone: 90226
sarah.wiki-bennett@canterbury.ac.nz
For further information see the UC staff intranet.