Mātauranga: Exploring Indigenous knowledge

Examples of research from the University of Auckland which align with the mātauranga theme.

He Mahere Pāhekoheko Mō Kaipara Moana–Integrated Ecosystem-Based Management for Kaipara Harbour, Aotearoa New Zealand
This article discusses a framework of co-management called He mahere pāhekoheko mō Kaipara moana – Integrated Kaipara harbour management. This model connects and utilises mātauranga alongside Western principles of ecosystem-based management. This links to the theme of mātauranga as the mahere model integrates Māori and Western knowledge.

Whareuku
This video highlights engineering research where muka from harakeke and mud are used to build papakainga housing on Māori land across NZ. This example relates to the mātauranga theme as it highlights the use of indigenous knowledge and technology to generate a new engineering technique at the interface between Western and Indigenous knowledge.

Assessing the net benefits of Auckland Council Stormwater projects using the Mauri Model
This paper describes the development of a stormwater-specific Mauri Model assessment and its application to Auckland stormwater projects to complement cost-benefit and multicriteria analysis. This example relates to the mātauranga theme as it highlights the development of a distinct body of knowledge which integrates Māori knowledge surrounding sustainability and Western knowledge associated with cost-benefit analyses.

Project Matauranga Rena Disaster (Using the Mauri Model)
This video highlights the use of the Mauri Model in assessing the impacts of the Rena disaster and returning the mauri of the environment to the pre-Rena state. The Mauri Model acknowledges how sustainability values embodied in mātauranga Māori can support economic and engineering decision-making. This links to the theme of mātauranga as the model has developed a distinctive body of knowledge at the interface between Indigenous and Western knowledge.

Ko te Waimāori tō tātou taonga: Septic tank mitigation in Takahiwai
This video highlights research which investigates the impact of septic tank use on the surrounding environment at Takahiwai. The project introduces novel green chemistry methods of maintaining and monitoring septic tanks in collaboration with mātauranga Māori. This project relates to the theme of mātauranga as it integrates green chemistry with mātauranga to form new methods for managing septic waste.

Hine Busby
Research Manager, Vision Mātauranga, Te Puna Tiketike | Research and Innovation Office
Email: hine.busby@auckland.ac.nz