Vision Mātauranga FAQs - Call for Kaupapa kākano Seed project proposals 2021

Information for Māori collaborating with non-Māori researcher

Q1: A researcher from a university is wanting to collaborate with me and my iwi, I think it will really benefit our iwi, but I am sceptical about scientists coming in, taking our knowledge and leaving. It’s happened before! 

 A: It’s really important to talk to the researcher and express your concerns. We state that relationships need to be genuine and that clear communication and expectations be agreed to by both parties. It’s ok to say no if you do not feel comfortable. 

Q2: We are a Māori organisation and would like to develop a technology project. Can we apply?  

A: As for all applicants, if you are able to demonstrate you have sufficient research expertise and capacity to be considered a research organisation, then you are eligible. Alternately, a Māori organisation can link to an appropriate research organisation to co-lead the project.

Q3: As a Māori organisation, how do we protect our mātauranga when we are working with researchers or research organisations?

A: SfTI is very mindful of the need to protect intellectual property (IP), including Mātauranga Māori. If you choose to work with a research partner and their organisation, you will need to agree on what knowledge you wish to share and how it is to be used before the project begins. This will be done through an IP Management Plan that includes acknowledgement of mātauranga.

Information for non-Māori researcher collaborating with Māori

Q4: I am a university researcher collaborating with a business which is Māori owned, can I apply for VM funding? 

A: Yes, you can. Please ensure that your collaborator is involved from the beginning and that clear expectations and remuneration from both parties are clearly defined and agreed upon. 

Q5: Can I co-lead a project with a non-scientist from the Māori community?

A: Yes, you can and we encourage co-leadership. Co-leadership that is designed into the project from the start is a way to develop and maintain strong relationships beyond the project. It will be important to discuss expectations and roles in a culturally appropriate way with the collaborator. 

Q6: I have a formal Māori collaborator, but they have no FTE or budget assigned to them, is that ok?   

A: You need to discuss clear expectations with your Māori collaborators. Depending on the nature of the activity, a funded FTE like any research team member, may be appropriate. For other activities, there may be different expectations, such as koha, travel funding or recompense for use of other resources. Such expectations need to be clearly identified and agreed upon upfront.   

Q7: I would like to collaborate with Māori on my project and have spoken to a Māori colleague. What else should I do?

A: It is good to consult Māori colleagues for initial opinions, however, as with all collaborations, a confirmed relationship agreement will be important. You should seek this before finalising the application and then support this through a particular role or activity in the project.

Q8: I have existing relationships with Māori groups. Is this ok to put them into my proposal? 

A: If you wish to identify Māori relationships in your proposal, you will need to have a confirmed agreement, which could be verbal, that they are happy to collaborate. Adding collaborators without permission is not only disrespectful but may jeopardise the project if they are not interested! Please clearly communicate with your collaborator from the design process onwards. Co-design is strongly encouraged.

Q9: My Māori collaborators are knowledgeable community members. What is the best way to collaborate?

A: An upfront discussion about what collaboration means is important, particularly in relation to time or other resources they will need to collaborate on. For example, think about how to recompense people for their time, use of marae or the use of specific technologies. Ongoing communication, not just at the start, but throughout the project is extremely important.  

Q10: My research is beneficial to Māori, is that enough to apply to the VM fund?  

A: Although we encourage research that benefits Māori, if your research is beneficial to Māori and you wish to apply for the VM fund then you should have Māori involved. It is not enough to just have beneficial outcomes without meaningful engagement with Māori. Māori people, principles and practices should be present throughout the project.  

Q11: My project uses Māori data, is that enough to apply for the VM fund? 

A: Although we encourage research that benefits Māori. It is not enough to just use Māori data. Meaningful engagement with Māori should be done to advise on or be involved in the research relating to the data, its usage and any issues that may arise from its use. If data is sensitive in nature or of significant importance to Māori then advice and engagement should at least be sought, but preferably involvement throughout the project should be done.