Ngā Taonga Tuku Iho | Wai 262 Best Practice Guide

During Puanga/Matariki 2022, a year on from the Wai 262 webinar series hosted by the Rauika Māngai, we came together again to launch the report, A Wai 262 Best Practice Guide for Science Partnerships with Kaitiaki for Research Involving Taonga.

This guide is based on the content from the webinar series, spanning the history of the claim and a set of best practice guidelines. The guide provides a baseline for how scientists and researchers must work with Māori communities.

Our thought leaders, Aroha Mead, Sheridan Waitai and Jessica Hutchings, came back to launch the guide. Speakers reflected on the webinar series and their key messages from their unique perspectives.

Panel:

• Jessica Hutchings
• Aroha Mead
• Sheridan Waitai

Link to the report on the Rauika Mangai website here

Ngā Taonga Tuku Iho: Wai 262 and the Science System

Wai 262 is one of the most significant and far-reaching claims considered by the Waitangi Tribunal, and current work to resolve the issues it raised will affect everyone participating in science and research in Aotearoa.  This pan-tribal claim covered key issues of misappropriation of mātauranga Māori through research process, the protection of Māori knowledge systems, the protection of native flora and fauna, and cultural intellectual property rights. The claim has been with us for 31 years and for many researchers and scientists, Māori and tangata tiriti too, the lack of practical guidance about what responsive and respectful research practice and science policy looks like remains elusive.

This last year has seen the passing of many significant Rangatira, especially in the context of the Wai 262 Claim.  The launch provides a time to come together and pay our respects to these giants, and to plot a course forward in their honour.  

The guide is a resource for our scientists and researchers to ensure they are informed and understand the complexities of the claim itself; to develop respectful relationships with kaitiaki, where kaitiaki leadership of taonga aspects of science projects is upheld; to move aside from leadership roles to ensure co-leadership across all aspects of science projects that do not involve taonga; to co-design projects with kaitiaki; to develop reciprocal and benefit sharing relationships with kaitiaki that build capacity and capability; and to develop a deep cultural understanding of how to be a ‘good guest and a good host’ and the porous boundaries between these standpoints. 

Also in this series:
Webinar: Wai 262 and opportunities for National Science Challenges

Webinar: History and Impacts of Wai 262