About this research
Intern
Lewis Johnson, Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington
Supervisors
Dr Jesse Pirini & Associate Professor Jessica Lai, Victoria University of Wellington
Overview
This internship project explored the collision and contestation between te ao Māori and the intellectual property (IP) system in relation to mātauranga Māori.
The project focused specifically on Rongoā Māori, using a theoretical lens to consider how it might be protected in the present day. As a form of mātauranga, the position of Rongoā Māori within the patent system remains ambiguous. The study therefore sought to deepen understanding of Rongoā Māori and its foundations, with the aim of envisioning and contributing to restorative and transformational outcomes rooted in Indigenous knowledge.
The work involved engaging with relevant knowledge holders and communities, alongside developing skills in searching the patent register and analysing patent data. The intern also examined how te ao Māori conceptualises and manages knowledge, in both comparison and contrast to the frameworks of the IP system.
This internship project examined the collision and contest of te ao Māori and the intellectual property system with respect to mātauranga Māori.
Ētahi atu · Other projects
This internship created a 3D-printed Tekoteko trophy using a biodegradable harakeke filament to honor the memory of Dr Paora Mato. The project blends traditional Māori carving with contemporary art, sparking conversations about tikanga and cultural practice.
View projectHe Tohu Maumahara ki a Paora Mato
This internship created a 3D-printed Tekoteko trophy using a biodegradable harakeke filament to honor the memory of Dr Paora Mato.
The project blends traditional Māori carving with contemporary art, sparking conversations about tikanga and cultural practice.
This project trialled a bush-ready acoustic sound lure, co-developed with Auroa School students, to help draw out remaining possums from hard-to-reach areas of the Kaitake ranges. Supporting Taranaki Mounga Project and DOC’s pest eradication goals, this innovative tech aims to improve efficiency, reduce risk, and protect precious biodiversity.
View projectTe Au Roa – Predator sound lure trial: Draw possums out of those difficult to reach places on Taranaki Mounga
This project trialled a bush-ready acoustic sound lure, co-developed with Auroa School students, to help draw out remaining possums from hard-to-reach areas of the Kaitake ranges.
Supporting Taranaki Mounga Project and DOC’s pest eradication goals, this innovative tech aims to improve efficiency, reduce risk, and protect precious biodiversity.
This internship explored the wellbeing benefits of daily karakia and waiata at the University of Canterbury, highlighting their role in fostering cultural connection and belonging. Using a braided rivers methodology, the project captured staff and student experiences of these powerful tikanga Māori practices.
View projectTūrou Hawaiki: Morning karakia and waiata as a culturally responsive pedagogy
This internship explored the wellbeing benefits of daily karakia and waiata at the University of Canterbury, highlighting their role in fostering cultural connection and belonging.
Using a braided rivers methodology, the project captured staff and student experiences of these powerful tikanga Māori practices.