Like all research centres, Ngä Pae o te Märamatanga pursues research excellence through academic communities. But our brief also extends outwards – aiming to also benefit many other communities as widely as possible. In doing this, the Knowledge Exchange programme is a unique feature of the Centre, and an essential part of achieving social transformation.
We want research to help national and regional communities, and ideally come back strengthened by them. Research can also foster new links between communities. In 2006, for example, new findings from research we funded on improved elderly care led to a new consortium of four regional hauora organisations. Several schools adapted scientific and language research for teaching purposes. Some projects brought together more than a dozen external organisations.
Clearly, we are tapping into a desire among Mäori communities for direct involvement in research that affects their lives. Success also reflects the expertise of our Knowledge Exchange team who, along with academic papers, produce an array of audio-visual materials, newsletters, and seminars to engage with as many people as possible. The conference website recorded 15,000 visitors.
Our focus is on genuine knowledge exchange, rather than the more familiar notion of knowledge transfer. Like all worthwhile exchange we see it as mutually beneficial. And we see it as building a better future for Mäori communities and New Zealand.
He Kōrero | Our Stories
Tairāwhiti local Manu Caddie is a vocal critic of forestry companies engaged in unsustainable land practices in the rohe. He shares his insights on what needs to change".
Last year a new species of fresh water golden clam was discovered in the Waikato awa. Its discovery spurred whānau, hapū and iwi to learn about the invasive species and to mobilise to stop its spread.
Neuroscientist Nicole Edwards is establishing her own lab at the University of Auckland and is eager to tautoko students interested in a career in brain research.