Auckland Emerging Researchers Chapter hosts Mātauranga Māori Workshop

In July, the Auckland QuakeCoRE Emerging Researchers Auckland Chapter hosted a Mātauranga Māori workshop for chapter members and others in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. The workshop was designed as an introduction to Māori concepts and to provide a better understanding of how researchers can engage and collaborate with Māori.

The 17 participants met at the Waipapa marae waharoa (gate of the University of Auckland marae). Following the walk to the marae, the students and lecturers experienced a Mihi whakatau, which is a semi-formal traditional welcome onto the marae. They learnt about Māori history, cultural practices and knowledge relevant to their research, especially earthquakes. Participants described it as a fantastic opportunity to learn how their research could be enriched by engaging with Māori.

QuakeCoRE researcher Professor Jason Ingham says, “For me the visit was an opportunity to appreciate that I had a marae that I could call my own, and that I could use to host visitors to the University of Auckland.  It was also an excellent opportunity to practice proper protocol.”

Tūmanako Fa’aui, Lecturer in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Auckland, organised the workshop alongside the Emerging Researchers Chapter. He says, “It’s important for us as engineers studying and working here in Aotearoa (New Zealand) to have an understanding of the Māori culture and the underpinning values. This is especially true when we are working on projects that involve Māori, or have a mātauranga Māori aspect. By considering alternate worldviews and knowledge systems, we expand our own potential and strengthen our work”.

QuakeCoRE is committed to meaningful engagement with Māori and incorporating Vision Mātauranga into our programmes. Through consultation with key Māori and research stakeholders, we are currently developing a Mātauranga Māori strategy that includes advancing Māori earthquake resilience and science education through meaningful engagement and the establishment of effective long-term relationships with Māori stakeholders.