Why is Vision Mātauranga important for research?

The Vision Mātauranga policy is a framework for government agencies to invest in research that appropriately considers its relevance to Māori. This policy framework seeks to support research that responds to the distinctive needs, issues and challenges of Māori, ensuring appropriate Māori involvement and the protection of Māori knowledge in research.

As a researcher, it is important to recognise how Vision Mātauranga can be incorporated and implemented throughout your research. Cultivating research outcomes that contribute to Māori, therefore contributes to New Zealand as a whole.

Read the policy framework from the Ministry of Research, Science and Technology: Vision Mātauranga policy

The identification of the Treaty principles in 1988 and the Wai 262 claim lodged with the Waitangi Tribunal in 1991, highlight the importance of integrating Te Tiriti o Waitangi and Māori perspectives into research in New Zealand.

Wai 262

Wai 262 specifically emphasised the need to address Māori ownership and stewardship of Mātauranga (traditional knowledge), cultural expressions, and Indigenous flora and fauna, all considered taonga (treasures). This claim emphasises the necessity for researchers to recognise and respect Māori culture, identity, and traditional knowledge within New Zealand.

Te Tiriti o Waitangi

In relation to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, it is important to understand the position researchers hold in Aotearoa through their research. Te Tiriti o Waitangi provides guidance on the historical context of key issues and experiences that continue to impact Māori. Therefore, it underpins the responsibilities researchers have in respecting, protecting and considering Māori perspectives, knowledge and interests in their research process.

By acknowledging these elements, researchers can ensure their work aligns with Te Tiriti, promotes equitable collaboration, and honours the cultural rights of Māori communities. These actions can be supported through research that aligns with the Vision Mātauranga framework.

Taumata Teitei

Taumata Teitei represents a commitment to excellence amid uncertainty, reflecting Waipapa Taumata Rau, the University of Auckland's strategic focus on addressing contemporary challenges. The plan emphasises sustainability, fairness and positive impact, both locally and globally, with a focus on well-being, human value and environmental preservation to promote intergenerational equity.

For researchers in New Zealand, and from Waipapa Taumata Rau, considering Taumata Teitei is crucial. It emphasises the foundational principles of manaakitanga (hospitality), whanaungatanga (relationships), and kaitiakitanga (stewardship), which are deeply rooted in the relationship with tangata whenua and Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

Taumata Teitei underscores the importance of valuing diverse knowledge systems, including Mātauranga Māori, and fostering genuine partnerships with Māori communities. By aligning their research with these principles, researchers can contribute to advancing shared goals and aspirations, and support the development, implementation and evaluation of initiatives that offer mutual benefits.

This alignment with Taumata Teitei ensures that research respects Māori perspectives, enhances collaboration, and integrates the Vision Mātauranga framework, ultimately promoting more ethical, inclusive and impactful research practices.

Te Tiriti o Waitangi

Historical background into Te Tiriti and its place in a modern society .

Go to: Treaty of Waitangi

Wai 262 claim

The Waitangi Tribunal's report on the WAI 262 claim about the place of Māori culture, identity and traditional knowledge in New Zealand's laws, and in government policies and practices.

Go to: Ko Aotearoa Tēnei: Report on the Wai 262 Claim Released

Wai 262 film

A background into the Wai 262 claim through interviews with key claimants .

Go to: Wai 262

Taumata Teitei

Taumata Teitei Vision 2030 and Strategic Plan 2025

Go to: Taumata Teitei

For enquiries not related to a research project or ethics application.
Email: rangahau@auckland.ac.nz