National Workshop on the Value and Future of Māori Research

Ngā Pae o te Māramatanga (NPM) is convening a national workshop on Thursday 20th March 2014 at Waipapa Marae, the University of Auckland from 12pm to 6pm. This workshop will discuss the crucial role that Māori Research has in the future of New Zealand. The workshop will be facilitated by Professor Charles Royal, Director, NPM, and key speakers include Sir Tipene O’Regan, Sir Mason Durie and Associate Professor Leonie Pihama.

Needs and opportunities facing Māori communities are critically important to New Zealand’s future development. The ‘Māori dimension’ of New Zealand society, culture and economy is a ‘net national opportunity’ as these communities are now on the cusp of a new era of development signalled by, among other things, the settlement of major Treaty claims.

Research driven by Māori communities concerning these needs and opportunities –with high Māori involvement, utilising Māori knowledge, methodologies and approaches – is crucial to enable Māori communities to cross this threshold into a new era of development and yield this ‘national opportunity’, ensuring their wellbeing and that of the nation. It also aids the success and achievement of Māori in higher education and scholarship, providing the basis for future Māori research, leadership and positive contributions.

Professor Royal states “it is vitally important to invest in research concerning needs and opportunities facing Māori communities particularly research with high Maori involvement.”
The need for a national workshop follows the news and national discussion and debate unfolding regarding the future of Māori research given the shock news not to short list NPM for further Centre of Research Excellence or government funding. NPM is the leader nationally, and perhaps internationally, in this area. This decision by the Royal Society of New Zealand has now posed the question ‘is there a space for Māori Research in the future?’

Ngā Pae o te Māramatanga (NPM) is a Centre of Research Excellence consisting of 16 participating research entities and hosted by the University of Auckland. NPM conducts research of relevance to Māori communities and is an important vehicle by which New Zealand continues to be a key player in global indigenous research and affairs. Its research is underpinned by the vision to realise the creative potential of Māori communities and to bring about positive change and transformation in the nation and wider world. Visit www.maramatanga.ac.nz
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