Māori research ethics

The form is designed primarily for 90-point and higher theses (Master's and Doctoral level).

Let's look at what information you'll need to provide in the first section:

Investigators

• The principal investigator is you – the Doctoral or Master’s student researcher
• Associate investigators would be your supervisors

Research group

• If you are attached to any research funding or part of a larger research initiative, you would include that information here

Cultural advisors/mana whenua representation

• This is where you would list any cultural advisors you are working with
• If you are consulting with mana whenua (local tribal authorities), include those details

Ngāi Tahu Research Centre or Kaiārahi Rangahau

• This refers to consultation with Māori advisors at UC, such as Kaiārahi Rangahau

The second part of the UC Māori Ethics Consultation Form asks for details about your research project:

Project

• This is where you include your project title

Concise description of research

• You need to provide a synopsis of your study in this section

Description to include scope, purpose, methodology, methods, and study objectives/research questions

• What is your research about?
• Why are you conducting this research?
• What methodology are you using (e.g., phenomenology; kaupapa Māori)?
• What methods will you employ (e.g., group interview; pūrākau)?
• What are your research questions or objectives?

This section requires you to outline the core elements of your research project in a clear and concise manner. 

The third part of the UC Māori Ethics Consultation Form focuses on impact areas that might require Māori consultation. Detail exactly what you hope to be doing, especially regarding interaction with Māori. You will complete this section if your research involves any of the following:

Significant Māori content

• This could include using kaupapa Māori methodologies or methods
• Your study might be based substantially on Māori concepts, knowledge, or experiences

Access to Māori sites

• Sites linked to whakapapa (genealogy)
• Marae, urupā (burial grounds), or other culturally significant locations

Sampling of native flora/fauna

• Research involving indigenous plants or animals

Culturally sensitive material/knowledge

• This is a broad category and often relies on your judgement
• If you select this, you will likely be selecting other categories as well

Māori involvement as participants or subjects

• This is one of the trickier areas because sometimes you will not know until your research is underway
• Even if you are not specifically targeting Māori participants, they may become part of your sample
• If there is a possibility Māori might be involved, it's best to tick this box
• For example, if you are conducting surveys that mention identity, Māori participants may respond in ways that bring their cultural identity into your research

Research where Māori data is sought and analysed

• This includes statistics or other quantitative data about Māori
• It also covers qualitative data specific to Māori

Research that will impact on Māori

• Research with potential implications for Māori communities or individuals