At the سԹ, Mātauranga Māori—the traditional knowledge and worldview of Māori—plays a vital role in shaping biological sciences research. This integration of Indigenous knowledge with Western science enriches our understanding of the natural world and supports more holistic, culturally grounded approaches to environmental stewardship.
UC offers courses like SCIM101, which introduces students to Mātauranga Māori in the context of natural sciences. These courses explore traditional ecological knowledge, cultural practices, and ethical frameworks, helping students understand how Indigenous perspectives can complement and enhance scientific inquiry.
Research projects at UC often involve collaboration with iwi (tribes) and hapū (sub-tribes), ensuring that Māori voices and values are central to the research process. For example, the Ridge2Reef initiative is a Mātauranga Māori-led, science-informed project focused on the sustainable management of coastal reef ecosystems. It exemplifies how Indigenous knowledge systems can guide scientific research to achieve more resilient and ecologically sound outcomes.
This approach reflects a broader commitment to co-governance and co-creation in research, where Māori communities are not just participants but leaders and knowledge holders. By weaving together Mātauranga Māori and Western science, UC fosters a richer, more inclusive understanding of biodiversity, conservation, and sustainability.
Our staff have extensive local and international connections and welcome contact from potential students and collaborators.
Examples of our research include:
- Working with local communities to embed Māori values and mātauranga in environmental management.
- Testing effects of increased sedimentation on coastal ecosystems in partnership with Bay of Plenty iwi.
