What is Māori research?
In advancing a project entitled ‘Supporting Māori Innovation and Research’, MoRST has necessarily encountered the question, what do we mean by ‘Māori research’? Unfortunately, the answer to this question is not simple. Here are a few questions which illustrate the difficulty:
By Māori research, do we mean any kind of research that is of benefit to Māori?
If this were the case, the possible research that could be located under ‘Māori research’ is truly enormous. For example, this could include research conducted overseas into a range of diseases which coincidentally afflict the Māori community. Other research could include research into the Māori language, research designed to alleviate environmental needs. Hence, a definition based upon benefit alone – incidental or intended – is too broad.
By Māori research do we mean that only Māori do the research?
The problem with this definition is that it could include research conducted by a Māori person who is conducting their research according to scientific methods and training, say, and upon a topic of little relevance or benefit to Māori. For example, a Māori person who is a seismologist studying earthquakes in South America. Is this Māori research?
By Māori research do we mean research concerning questions and topics posed by Māori communities or otherwise deemed to be important by Māori?
In many quarters, this is what is meant by Māori research. That is, Māori research is determined to be that kind of research that is focused upon issues, questions and challenges that Māori themselves deem to be important. Further, there is the view that as Māori determine what the research priorities should be, there is an assumption that the benefits of the research therefore flow to Māori.
Hence, what is meant by 'Maori research' can be confusing and vague. The Ministry would like to assist in developing clarity and understanding of this term which may include the creation of multiple meanings or abandoning the term altogether in favour of improved language and terms. If you have a view, please let us know.