Mātauranga Māori (indigenous knowledge) and taonga (treasures) are precious legacies, entrusted to the current generation to nurture, strengthen, and pass on to those yet to come. By working alongside Māori organisations, we support the creation, preservation, and innovation of taonga – from whenua (land) and moana (oceans) to all living things – ensuring their vitality for future generations.

Together with our partners, we develop collaborative research models that weave mātauranga Māori and research and science knowledge systems in ways that are respectful, reciprocal, and empowering. Through this shared knowledge, we contribute to enduring cultural, social, economic and environmental outcomes, honouring both te ao Māori and creating impact together for the benefit the wider community.

Te Tiriti Framework

Guiding our work is our Te Tiriti Framework comprising of two domains:

Foundational Commitments

At the Bioeconomy Science Institute Maiangi Taiao, we are guided by our sustained commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi. We uphold this commitment through these principles:

• Partnership – building enduring, mutually accountable relationships with iwi, hapū and Māori partners, including joint planning and shared decision-making where appropriate. Recognising the whakapapa of Māori, iwi, and hapū, honouring their connection to land and ocean, and respecting their knowledge of living systems.
• Participation – creating pathways and supportive environments that enable meaningful Māori participation and leadership in our work. Actively empowering and supporting Māori to exercise control and decision making around their taonga, data, tikanga, and tāngata.
• Active protection – ensuring our activities protect Māori rights, interests, and taonga – both culturally and environmentally – and recognising iwi/Māori perspectives in Bioeconomy Science Institute Maiangi Taiao research planning to ensure we actively protect Māori interests.
• Equity – work with Māori to ensure they have equitable access to resources, knowledge, and opportunities to assist them toward building workforce capability.

Guiding Principles

To ensure we recognise and embed our Foundational Commitments in our work, the Bioeconomy Science Institute Maiangi Taiao will support Māori aspirations while recognising and protecting taonga species, taonga works, and mātauranga Māori by:

1. Acknowledging Māori kaitiaki over mātauranga Māori and taonga species
   1. Receiving biological materials and accessing mātauranga Māori from Māori entities or individuals will be based on informed consent, including disclosure of:
      • the intended purpose for which the biological materials or mātauranga Māori are to be used;
      • any foreseeable consequences, whether detrimental or beneficial, that may result from that use.
   2. When conducting research involving taonga species, a Māori perspective will be solicited from appropriate Māori kaitiaki.
   3. Prior to referencing, publishing or including mātauranga in any research, written support will be sought from appropriate Māori kaitiaki.
   4. Benefit sharing:
      1. We will ensure fair and reasonable sharing of benefits derived from any research conducted with taonga and mātauranga with relevant kaitiaki.
2. Trusted custodian:
   1. We will work together with Māori to protect and act as a trusted custodian of indigenous New Zealand flora and fauna, te reo Māori and mātauranga Māori in our research and in our collections, including those nationally significant collections and databases for which we are responsible
   2. We will safeguard taonga species, te reo Māori, mātauranga Māori and data that we hold on behalf of Māori. We will respect tikanga and any agreed conditions that come with the use and collection of taonga species or mātauranga Māori throughout the full lifecycle of our custodianship.

We welcome collaboration with current and future partners to enhance and implement best practices.