Pukapuka | Books

This Proceedings contains 60 papers on the theme “Kei Muri i te Kāpara He Tangata Kē: Recognising, Engaging, Understanding Difference”.  It is a unique collection of writing by indigenous researchers and those acutely interested in the knowledge and life worlds of indigenous peoples. The papers come from across all disciplines and move beyond identifying and understanding problems toward creative solutions that seek to meet the needs of present and future generations. These papers will be of interest to a wide audience because they demonstrate the opportunities that draw on diverse contexts that speak to the interface between indigenous and non-indigenous communities.

Available for free PDF download below. Print Copies: RRP $129. Discount price direct from Ngā Pae o te Māramatanga:  $70 inc GST and NZ delivery. To order or for more information please email info@maramatanga.ac.nz 

This monograph is a compilation of four papers presented by Māori scientists at Turnbull House, Wellington, in November 2005. The papers were delivered as part of the Ngā Pae o Te Māramatanga Policy Seminar Series “Progressing Māori Development through Research”. Each of the scientists―namely James Ātaria, Elizabeth McKinley, Michael Walker and Shane Wright―has carried out pioneering work in her or his field and contributed to wider Māori enterprise and development. The papers give an overview of their research and address issues such as being a Māori scientist, doing scientific research, barriers to Māori in science and science education and the development of policy to overcome barriers and promote Māori involvement in science.

The Traditional Knowledge Conference 2008 focused on traditional knowledge and gateways to balanced relationships. The conference title, Te Tatau Pounamu: The Greenstone Door, referred in a figurative sense to how, in times of trouble, peace could be secured and warfare ended through a political marriage and the exchange of greenstone. The peace thus established was often likened to a greenstone door as both were seen as being durable, strong and highly valuable. In line with the title, the conference provided the occasion for discussion of indigenous strategies for sustaining relationships between collectives and over generations, for resolving conflict, for peacemaking, reconciliation and restorative justice.

While some speakers spoke directly on issues of peacemaking and restorative justice, the broader theme allowed for consideration of traditional indigenous concepts, values, ideals, models and strategies for sustaining balanced and healthy relationships within and across families, communities, nations, nation-states, local, regional and global borders, territories and environments. There was also the opportunity to share what had been learned from diverse contexts around the world about how indigenous models, values, concepts and processes have been incorporated into state or government initiatives and with what impact for indigenous peoples.

The papers in this Proceedings reflect the diversity of ways in which the theme was approached at the conference, because of the many academic disciplines represented and because community engagement and input was included. Videos of the presentations by the Invited Speakers can be viewed by going to Ngā Pae o te Māramatanga's website: www.maramatanga.co.nz.

The Proceedings are made up of two parts. Part A comprises presentations to the full conference by Invited Speakers. The Invited Speakers made oral presentations, which were videoed and later transcribed. Edited versions of these transcriptions appear here, apart from the presentation by Irene Watson who supplied a fully referenced version of her paper, "A Journey Away from Violence to a Place of Law-fullness". Part B of the Proceedings has the written papers submitted by those who gave talks in the parallel sessions.
 

This monograph explores the ways in which collaborative research relationships with Māori communities can be developed effectively and appropriately. The focus is the institutional and epistemological environments that social researchers work within. While there is a growing body of international literature about the engagement of social sciences research with indigenous communities, there are relatively few researchers who actively theorise the institutional, political, and conceptual frameworks surrounding the research engagement process with indigenous communities.

The monograph is comprised of a series of papers that look into the epistemological and institutional tensions that emerge when academic researchers engage with Māori communities. The underlying theme is that academic disciplines and institutional frameworks are structured in ways that mediate the research relationship. Peter L. Berger’s theory of mediating structures is used as an organising principle for this analysis.

In a discussion of research engagement between Māori communities and universities, the author identifies how academic ways of thinking about community, and particularly the tendency to problematise the concept, can stand in the way of establishing effective mediating structures. The paper, entitled “Collaborative Research in the Post-9/11 Climate”, explores the effect of the current world political climate on the ability of academic researchers and indigenous peoples to construct responsive collaborative relationships. Another paper investigates how the structures of disciplinary knowledge can undermine research with Māori, while the final one looks at the work of university ethics committees in mediating the research relationship with Māori communities.

The Mātauranga Taketake: Traditional Knowledge Conference was convened in June 2006 to address issues, practices, models and perspectives for protecting, sustaining and nurturing traditional systems of knowledge. The Conference invited participants to consider the following questions:

How do we know that our knowledge, ways of knowing and associated practices are in a state of wellbeing?

What practices do we use to sustain and help the next generation look after our systems of knowledge?

How do we know that our relationships, languages, literatures, stories, environments,healing practices, spiritualities, genealogies, bodies, children, elders, women, men, and communities are flourishing?

What are the basic indicators that we use to give us confidence that all is well?

How do wemeasure our development and advancement?

Internationally generated indicators of well-being, like indicators of development, have a subtle but significant impact on Māori and other indigenous communities. An international conference with associated community workshops and satellite meetings enabled us to bring together in dialogue a wide range of participants, perspectives, voices, frameworks and models for developing indicators that best indicate well-being from indigenous points of view.

This 4 day conference brought together scholars from a range of disciplinary fields and nations to develop discipline-based responses to the real-world struggles of Māori and indigenous peoples.

The purpose of Indigenous Knowledges Conference is to promote discussion and interaction between academics and indigenous communities focused in different disciplines as well as different nations. We are particularly interested in generating new thinking about academia and its role in indigenous communities and societies. We are providing a forum for established and emerging Māori and indigenous academics to map disciplinary and intellectual discourses from an indigenous perspective.

The Conference proceedings highlight the work of indigenous experts in a range of academic disciplines and offer a forum for the development of indigenous research priorities. The spirit of the confrence is encaplsulated by the proverb: Ahakoa iti, he pounamu

Literally translated, this Māori proverb says "Although small, it is greenstone". For Māori greenstone or nephrite jade is a precious taonga, a limited resource over which tribal wars were fought. Laboriously fashioned into ornamental jewellery and weapons, pounamu can be a symbol of excellence, diligence, endeavour and prestige.

We believe 'Ahakoa iti, he pounamu' is a fitting conference proverb, as pounamu defines us as a people. Throughout the world, indigenous peoples are small in number and often have to rise against superior numbers in order to safeguard customs and traditions. Although we are small in number, our indigeneity is precious.

The following reports are the work of Māori senior undergraduate through to masters level students from various tertiary institutes throughout Aotearoa (New Zealand). These are students who were awarded summer internships by Ngā Pae o te Māramatanga during the summer of 2004–2005.

The purpose for providing these internships was as a step in putting these students on the pathway towards a career in research. The establishment of this monograph provides a forum for interns to undertake a small piece of research and to publish it. Although it is not a refereed journal, it does provide budding research students with the opportunity to gain more experience in the field of research and its publication. The reports provided here have had minimal editing and minimal input
from the students' supervisors. Therefore they should be read with this in mind. The whole exercise was also beneficial to the supervisors, in extending their experience of having a student researcher work alongside them. From the perspective of Ngā Pae o te Māramatanga, the summer internship programme also allows us to identify potential researchers for the future and to know their areas of interest.

Many Māori researchers have returned to education in later life. Consequently, while the researchers who have contributed to this publication are all interns, they are not necessarily all youthful—although the majority here are. The contents of this monograph span a wide spectrum of subject areas. These reports stand as evidence of the capacity for research and critical analysis which is strengthening as numbers of Māori tertiary students continue to grow. Ngā Pae o te Māramatanga wishes to thank its 2004–2005 summer interns, and hopes that their new net spreads wide, and brings in a harvest that will benefit all in Aotearoa/New Zealand and indeed the wider world.

High quality research leading to practical outcomes that result in the development and advancement of Māori is fundamental to the future of the nation. It is important that policy analysts are provided a forum where they can be brought together with Māori researchers who are leading the development of this high quality research. For this reason, Ngā Pae o te Māramatanga, The National Institute of Research Excellence for Māori Development and Advancement, initiated a Research and Policy Seminar Series designed to create a space for dialogue between policy analysts and Māori researchers.

The theme selected for each Research and Policy Seminar highlighted issues that traverse the different ministries, departments and agencies, and that significantly impact on Māori cultural, social and economic development and wellbeing. The different researchers selected for each Research and Policy Seminar represented a wide variety of perspectives on the chosen theme.

In this Research and Policy Seminar Series, invited policy analysts and representatives from different ministries and government agencies heard presentations from a variety of leading Māori researchers in the country and were given the opportunity of dialogue with researchers who are not only connected to leading research institutions but also extensive community networks. Because high quality research is a creative and innovative process, engagement with top researchers is an essential ingredient in the development of policy that will have long lasting impact in both the medium and long-term in New Zealand. An additional perspective is added to the Seminar Series with the incorporation of a Ministry/Agency respondent who also presented a paper on the seminar topic.

This monograph represents a compilation of papers, including paper submissions by the researchers of their presentation, a brief submission by a representative from the Ministry of Education, Rāwiri Brell, and a paper written by Howard Fancy, Secretary for Education, which was relevant to the seminar topics. The monograph also includes a summary transcription of the discussion that took place at the conclusion of the presentations.

The inaugural Ngā Pae o te Māramatanga Seminar Series 2004 and inaugural Professorial Lectures were well received by the seminar attendees. The kaupapa of the seminars and inaugural lectures was to showcase Māori researchers and their work. The seminars have provided an opportunity for showcasing an excellent sampling of the wealth of Māori research excellence which exists.

The seminars generated interest amongst a broad range of groups. This was reflected in the seminar audiences which included researchers from institutions and communities, professionals in the field, students, and both the Māori and general media.

A highlight of the series included two professorial lectures which were delivered in Tāne-Nui-ā-Rangi, Waipapa Marae. Professor Margaret Mutu, Head of Department of Māori Studies, presented her lecture entitled: Recovering Fagin's Ill-gotten Gains: Ngāti Kahu's experience in the Treaty claims settlement process. Professor Linda Smith, Joint Director of Ngā Pae o te Māramatanga, presented her lecture entitled: Māori Education in Uncertain Times: legacies, learnings and challenges. These were both extremely well received by the large audiences that attended them. Sadness followed Professor Mutu's lecture however when Professor Mutu's husband, Tūhoe Mānuera, suddenly passed away.

The seminar series concluded with a powerful joint presentation by Professors Ranginui Walker and Hirini Mead, discussing their view of Māori research excellence. Professor Ranginui Walker's lecture was titled: Growing Research Skills at Iwi Level. Professor Hirini Mead's lecture was: Researching Issues of Interest to Māori. This monograph is a compilation of papers written by some of the presenters from the 2004 seminar series.

1 November 2024

Open Letter to the President of the Royal Society Te Apārangi, Distinguished Professor

Dame Jane Harding DNZM FRSNZ FRACP

E te Kahurangi, e Jane, tēnā koe,

The Māori signatories to this letter have strong associations to a broad range of tertiary institutions and professional bodies. Our academic and research expertise likewise extend across multiple areas of interest, endeavour and activity. Despite this diversity, we have always been unified in our efforts to support the growth and development of our people, to ensure that our collective aspirations are advanced and that any barriers are removed.

In this regard, we would like to express, in the strongest possible way, the concerns we have with the proposed changes to governance of the Royal Society Te Apārangi (RSTA). As an organisation built on democratic and representative governance processes, the proposed shift towards a top-down, Fellow-driven board model under the auspices of ‘best practice’ is troubling. This proposal not only threatens to dismantle the progress made to support and enhance Māori participation and rangatiratanga over the past decade, but also undermines the principle of partnership and rite-tahi as enshrined in the articles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

Over the last ten years, RSTA has made significant and commendable changes including the creation of the Pou Tiaki Director Māori role to support the use of te ao Māori and tikanga Māori concepts within its structure and processes. These institutional advancements required sustained advocacy from the Māori Academy, and marked a pivotal shift from the monocultural foundations of the Society towards an institution that better reflects the uniqueness and vibrancy of our nation. Enhanced recognition of Māori science aspirations has facilitated a significant increase in Māori Fellows from just nine in 2015 to 40 by 2023, a Tiriti o Waitangi provision in the General Rules, establishment of the Māori Electoral College and two permanent Māori positions on the Council, as well as the introduction of new research medals that recognise Māori achievements in science in collaboration with Ngā Pae o te Māramatanga Centre of Research Excellence. These advancements have been widely acknowledged internationally, further emphasising the organisation’s unique commitment to Indigenous science approaches amongst our international peers.

The current proposal therefore raises significant concerns and places at considerable risk the progress made over the past decade. It signals a retreat from the inclusive governance model we have been working towards and lacks any meaningful consideration of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

The proposal lacks a well-founded rationale for such a substantial change, raising questions about the sincerity of this process. The consultation process has been rushed and top-down in nature. Moreover, the suggested governance restructure is out of step with the Society’s recently released strategic plan, which provides assurances to honour the spirit and intent of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and ensure Māori voices are central in decision-making, whilst affirming RTSA’s values of collaboration, diversity, integrity and transparency. The inconsistency between the proposed restructure and the strategic vision raises serious questions about the Society's commitment to its own values and aspirations. These are not minor inconsistencies and further call into question the legitimacy and integrity of the consultation process.

To this end, and while the proposal may appear to allow for Māori participation, it fails to recognise the fundamental right of tangata whenua to tino rangatiratanga - the right to make decisions for ourselves, and to exercise authority over our own people, lands and knowledges. Under Te Tiriti, the governance structure of RSTA must reflect a true partnership between Māori and the Crown. This means explicit inclusion of Māori representatives mandated by the Māori membership at the governance level, where decisions that impact Māori are made by Māori, not for Māori. The current proposal falls well short of this.

The proposed restructure also comes at a time when RSTA has entered a tripartite academy partnership with the Australian Academy of Science and The Royal Society of Canada, with an emphasis on the rights of Indigenous peoples and how the academies may give effect to their responsibilities toward Indigenous engagement and inclusion. In this context, where RSTA is engaging with international Indigenous communities, the proposed governance changes appear disingenuous. It is contradictory for RSTA to promote Indigenous leadership and partnership abroad while simultaneously removing dedicated Māori representation from its own governance body.

We hope to work collaboratively to uphold the principles of partnership and inclusion and continue the progress that has been made towards a truly bicultural and future focused academy. If there is no visible space for Māori decision-making in this reimagined structure, the creation of an independent Māori Academy may be the path forward.

Dame Jane, we urge you to reconsider the current governance proposal, which we view as a significant step backwards, and call for a pause in the current consultation process. There must be genuine engagement with Māori from the outset, in line with Te Tiriti, to ensure that RSTA remains a place where Māori voices are heard and our aspirations are enabled.

We appreciate your careful consideration of the concerns we have raised and look forward to

receiving your reply.

Ngā manaakitanga,

Professor Melinda Webber (Waipapa Taumata Rau), former RSTA Councillor

Professor Tahu Kukutai FRSNZ (Ngā Pae o te Māramatanga), former RSTA Councillor

Professor Linda Waimarie Nikora FRSNZ (Ngā Pae o te Māramatanga), former RSTA Councillor

Professor Te Kani Kingi (Te Whare Wananga o Awanuiārangi), former RSTA Councillor

Professor Reremoana Theodore (Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka), former RSTA Councillor

Distinguished Professor Linda Tuhiwai Smith CNZM FRSNZ (Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi), former RSTA Councillor

Emeritus Professor Ngahuia Te Awekōtuku MNZM CRSNZ (Ngā Pae o te Māramatanga)

Distinguished Professor Graham Hingangaroa Smith CNZM FAERA FRSNZ (Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa)

Distinguished Professor Sir Hirini Moko Mead KNZM FRSNZ (Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi)

Distinguished Professor Jacinta Ruru MNZM FRSNZ (Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka)

Professor Tracey McIntosh MNZM (Waipapa Taumata Rau)

Professor Rangi Matamua ONZM FRSNZ (Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa)

Professor Poia Rewi FRSNZ (Te Mātāwai)

Dr Leonie Pihama FRSNZ (Tū Tama Wāhine o Taranaki)

Professor Joanna Kidman FRSNZ (Te Herenga Waka)

Professor Helen Moewaka Barnes FRSNZ (Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa)

Dr Carwyn Jones FRSNZ (Te Wānanga o Raukawa)

Professor Rawinia Higgins FRSNZ (Te Herenga Waka)

Professor Margaret Mutu FRSNZ (Waipapa Taumata Rau)

Professor Michelle Thompson-Fawcett FRSNZ (Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka)

Professor Denise Wilson FRSNZ (Te Wānanga Aronui o Tāmaki Makau Rau)

Dr Sonja Macfarlane FRSNZ (Ngāti Waewae)

Professor Brendan Hokowhitu FRSNZ (University of Queensland)

Dr Mahonri Owen (Te Whare Wānanga o Waikato), Early Career Researcher Forum Co-Chair & Māori Electoral College

Sarah-Kay Coulter, Māori Electoral College

Professor Matthew Roskruge (Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa), Māori Electoral CollegeAssociate 

Professor Moana Waitoki (He Paiaka Totara, Māori Psychologists Network), Māori Electoral College

Professor Bridgette Masters-Awatere MRSNZ FNZPsS (Te Whare Wānanga o Waikato), Māori Electoral College

Dr Amohia Boulton (Whakauae Research Services Ltd), Māori Electoral College

Professor Jason Mika (Te Whare Wānanga o Waikato), Māori Electoral College

Dr Nimbus Staniland (Waipapa Taumata Rau), Māori Electoral College

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