Matauranga Maori important component of Biosecurity Science Strategy
Nga Kete o te Wananga - The baskets
of knowledge
There is no one definition that captures the richness and complexity of mātauranga Māori but it can be broadly defined as the knowledge system that embodies the Māori world view. From mātauranga Māori are derived tikanga (Māori values) and kawa (protocols/policies), the guidelines that shape Māori behaviour.
From the application of tikanga and kawa, the knowledge system evolves and grows as Māori take up the challenges presented by their social and physical environment – a virtuous loop. Together, the knowledge and understanding provide Māori with the tools to live, engage and interact with their environment and world.
Mātauranga Māori knowledge systems encompass a range of disciplines, including the physical and social sciences, economics, education, art, music, medicine, business, agriculture, forestry and much more. A cursory scan of the internet reveals the depth and breadth of discussion about mātauranga Māori, as well as the broader debate about indigenous traditional knowledge that occurs at the domestic, regional and international levels.
It is here that a working definition of mātauranga Māori may be helpful, this being, the knowledge systems, values, concepts and world views that define Māori as a distinct social cultural group. It can include the management approaches that reflect the values and priorities Māori have for the protection of the land and its natural resources. This in turn includes the protection of taonga (treasured) species of birds, plants and animals with which Māori have a recognised cultural, historic and traditional association.
Government agencies have been responding to the mātauranga Māori debate for some time. The Ministry of Economic Development, for example, has in place a three-staged work programme to examine more closely the relationship between intellectual property rights and systems and traditional knowledge.
The Department of Conservation through the Mātauranga Kura Taio Fund supports hapu/iwi initiatives to retain and promote traditional Māori knowledge and its use in the management of New Zealand's biodiversity and natural resources.
The Ministry of Research, Science and Technology has developed Vision Mātauranga, a policy framework that aims to "unlock the innovation potential of Māori knowledge, resources and people to assist New Zealanders to create a better future".
With the launch last month of the Biosecurity Science Strategy for New Zealand, Mahere Rautaki Putaiao Whakamaru, MAF Biosecurity New Zealand has made its own contribution. The strategy identifies the interdisciplinary nature of mātauranga Māori and recognises that Māori have a store of scientific knowledge to offer the biosecurity system.
The strategy sets out a vision for the biosecurity science system for the next 25 years that weaves together excellence in science across all sectors and disciplines, including mātauranga Māori, to support the Biosecurity Strategy Vision that "New Zealanders, our unique natural resources, our plants and animals are all kept safe and secure from damaging pests and diseases". The implementation of the Biosecurity Science Strategy will be an exciting challenge for all of us involved in the biosecurity system.
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Page last updated: 30 April 2008