100 Researchers Contribute to New Publication on Mātauranga Māori and Science

A major contribution to scholarship on the interface between mātauranga Māori and science was released this month. New Zealand Science Review’s latest publication is a Special Issue on the theme of Mātauranga and Science in Practice, the second issue of two. Guest editors were Te Kawa a Māui’s Head of School, Assoc. Prof. Ocean Mercier, and Assoc. Prof. Anne-Marie Jackson, Te Koronga, University of Otago. Mercier and Jackson collated 18 new contributions to the debate, with support from the New Zealand Association of Scientists. More than 100 people have contributed to the peer-reviewed academic articles, introductions and forewords across the two issues. Abstracts are presented bi-lingually, in te reo Māori and English, with authors working with Te Kawa a Māui graduate Eru Kapa-Kingi on translations.

Together, the issues offer examples of mātauranga and science in practice across a range of contexts, from numerous projects led by universities, CRI’s and communities’ nation-wide. As well as presenting traditional knowledge, the works discuss the continuing contemporary importance of mātauranga Māori, and the dynamism with which mātauranga and science can interact, given the right conditions. The issues reflect on Māori in the science system and the ways that Māori knowledge, research, science and scientists are supported and also constrained by institutional and national policy. Jackson and Mercier write that “Collectively the papers add pou (stakes) in the ground in redefining and re-examining our notions of mātauranga and sciences in practice”.

Issue I, released in late 2019, covered topics such as the ‘Māori science debate’, education, tertiary Indigenous science curriculum, Ngā Pae o te Māramatanga’s role in building the Māori science and research community, mātauranga and high-tech solutions, and how scientists can support Māori interests. Issue I was prefaced by a foreword from the Prime Minister’s Chief Science Advisor, Prof. Juliet Gerard and Forum of Chief Science Advisers member Prof. Tahu Kukutai.

Issue II, the latest release, traverses an even more diverse array of topics. These include Matariki and astronomy, history, philosophy and epistemology, hākekakeka (fungi), education, digital mapping, capacity and capability development, marine science, ethics, Tuia 250, Māori sovereignty, environmental decision-making, and colonisation. The foreword for Issue II was written by Te Rauika Māngai (National Science Challenge strategic Māori leadership) co-leaders Dr Jessica Hutchings and Dr Willy-John Martin. They write:

“This edition exemplifies Māori science excellence and impact in action. The authors have plunged into deep currents of knowledge to reveal old and synthesise new mātauranga in science. They are an envy of conceptualisation to any researcher seeking to use the current tools of the New Zealand science system to realise Māori potential.”

The beautiful cover art for both issues was designed by Keanu Townsend (Keanu Arts). Both designs to evoke multiple ways of seeing that enrich the conversation around science and mātauranga. Of his second design, Keanu explains “From top left there is a puhoro that represents western science with symbols of genes representing laboratory research; on the right side is Indigenous Maori science symbolised with the poutama stairway to the heavens in which Tane gathered the baskets of knowledge. The green pou through the middle represents the ideal person who understands and uses both aspects of culture, unifying them for the good and wellbeing of the people.”

The project was financially supported by Ngā Pae o te Māramatanga, NZ Association of Scientists, Te Kawa a Māui, Te Koronga (University of Otago) and NIWA. We are very grateful to authors, whanau/hapū/iwi and communities for sharing their kōrero and time with us.

Te Kawa a Māui can post you a hard copy of Special Issues I and II. Please contact ocean.mercier@vuw.ac.nz for details. Selected issues of New Zealand Science Review are available for download at https://scientists.org.nz/NZSR