High quality research leading to practical outcomes that result in the development and advancement of Māori is fundamental to the future of the nation. It is important that policy analysts are provided a forum where they can be brought together with Māori researchers who are leading the development of this high quality research. For this reason, Ngā Pae o te Māramatanga, The National Institute of Research Excellence for Māori Development and Advancement, initiated a Research and Policy Seminar Series designed to create a space for dialogue between policy analysts and Māori researchers.
The theme selected for each Research and Policy Seminar highlighted issues that traverse the different ministries, departments and agencies, and that significantly impact on Māori cultural, social and economic development and wellbeing. The different researchers selected for each Research and Policy Seminar represented a wide variety of perspectives on the chosen theme.
In this Research and Policy Seminar Series, invited policy analysts and representatives from different ministries and government agencies heard presentations from a variety of leading Māori researchers in the country and were given the opportunity of dialogue with researchers who are not only connected to leading research institutions but also extensive community networks. Because high quality research is a creative and innovative process, engagement with top researchers is an essential ingredient in the development of policy that will have long lasting impact in both the medium and long-term in New Zealand. An additional perspective is added to the Seminar Series with the incorporation of a Ministry/Agency respondent who also presented a paper on the seminar topic.
This monograph represents a compilation of papers, including paper submissions by the researchers of their presentation, a brief submission by a representative from the Ministry of Education, Rāwiri Brell, and a paper written by Howard Fancy, Secretary for Education, which was relevant to the seminar topics. The monograph also includes a summary transcription of the discussion that took place at the conclusion of the presentations.