25 March 2004 Māori Knowledge, Concepts and Practice, Key Theme in New Centre's Work

Understanding M­­­­­āori perspectives on bio-protection and developing agricultural technology and systems that value and sustain M­­­­­āori knowledge and practice is one of the four key research themes of the National Centre for Advanced Bio-Protection Technologies, opened by Prime Minister Helen Clark at Lincoln University today (25 March).

The three other themes of the centre's work are biosecurity, biocontrol, and advanced agri-biotechnology.

"The Matauranga M­­­­­āori Bio-Protection theme brings a unique element to the centre," says the Director of Lincoln University's Centre for M­­­­­āori and Indigenous Planning and Development, Associate Professor Hirini Matunga, who is also the theme leader for this area of the centre's activity.

"M­­­­­āori input to science issues is often limited to 'consultation'," he says.

"The new centre aims to lift M­­­­­āori involvement beyond that and incorporate M­­­­­āori knowledge and practice into the science that underpins New Zealand's management of pests and diseases.

"We're aiming at generating better understanding between M­­­­­āori and science communities and we see that as leading to greater M­­­­­āori participation at all levels of primary industry development and decision-making.

"M­­­­­āori agricultural and horticultural assets are valued at around $3 billion, however it is estimated that about 40 percent of M­­­­­āori owned land is under-utilised.

"Innovation in developing these resources to incorporate matauranga M­­­­­āori (literally M­­­­­āori knowledge), traditional ecological knowledge as well as advances in bio-protection technology is critical to encouraging more M­­­­­āori into horticulture and agriculture and providing an improved economic base for M­­­­­āori," says Associate Professor Matunga.

"In M­­­­­āori terms, social development must be built on economic development that is environmentally sustainable and cognisant of tikanga M­­­­­āori values such as kaitiakitanga, manaakitanga and rangatiratanga.

"However this development must also be informed by innovative bio-­protection technologies that originate from Westernised science, and that's a focus we can now have with the establishment of the national bio-­protection centre."

Professor Matunga points out that M­­­­­āori agricultural output is estimated to be worth approximately $700 million, representing about 7.4 percent of New Zealand's total agricultural output.

"In terms of the M­­­­­āori economic asset base, agriculture makes up 66 percent and is worth at least $5.2 billion.

"Those are substantial figures.

"Research at the interface of M­­­­­āori science, matauranga M­­­­­āori, M­­­­­āori traditional ecological knowledge and Western science will lead to innovation, and the creation of new knowledge and new approaches,'' he says.

Tangata whenua were represented at the opening of the Bio-Protection Centre through Associate Professor Matunga who is also a member of Te Taumutu Runanga and Te Runanga o Ngai Tahu was represented by Don Couch of Rapaki, newly appointed to the Lincoln University Council.

Ian Collins, Journalist, Lincoln University, Canterbury, New Zealand