title: Indigenous knowledge, methodology and mayhem: What is the role of methodology in producing indigenous insights? A discussion from Mātauranga Māori

authors: Smith, Linda Tuhiwai

abstract: The emergence of an academic discourse called Indigenous knowledge internationally, and mātauranga Māori in Aotearoa New Zealand, presents some substantive challenges to concepts of knowing and being, of knowledge creation, knowledge work and the making of meaning. These challenges engage us across philosophical, disciplinary, institutional, inter-generational, territorial and community boundaries, presenting an opportunity to imagine this field anew, and the theories and methodologies that inform contemporary Māori or Indigenous Studies. This article raises some discussion about ‘research methodologies’ being used when discussing mātauranga Māori and Indigenous knowledge (hereafter referred to as IK mātauranga). Research methodologies are often associated with specific disciplines of knowledge and viewed as the primary if not singular way in which knowledge is generated. Arguably, IK mātauranga occupies a different knowledge space from traditional academic disciplines, including their transdisciplinary interstices. This article speaks to a gnawing sense that mayhem is at play, as the academic work around IK mātauranga begins to consolidate and become institutionalised away from its indigenous communities and contexts, where it began and where it still informs identities, ways of living and being.

text: Indigenous knowledge, methodology and mayhem: What is the role of methodology in producing indigenous insights? A discussion from Mātauranga Māori The emergence of an academic discourse called Indigenous knowledge internationally, and mātauranga Māori in Aotearoa New Zealand, presents some substantive challenges to concepts of knowing and being, of knowledge creation, knowledge work and the making of meaning. These challenges engage us across philosophical, disciplinary, institutional, inter-generational, territorial and community boundaries, presenting an opportunity to imagine this field anew, and the theories and methodologies that inform contemporary Māori or Indigenous Studies. This article raises some discussion about ‘research methodologies’ being used when discussing mātauranga Māori and Indigenous knowledge (hereafter referred to as IK mātauranga). Research methodologies are often associated with specific disciplines of knowledge and viewed as the primary if not singular way in which knowledge is generated. Arguably, IK mātauranga occupies a different knowledge space from traditional academic disciplines, including their transdisciplinary interstices. This article speaks to a gnawing sense that mayhem is at play, as the academic work around IK mātauranga begins to consolidate and become institutionalised away from its indigenous communities and contexts, where it began and where it still informs identities, ways of living and being.

year: 2016

title: A local Aotearoa New Zealand investigation of the contribution of Māori cultural knowledges to Pakeha identity and counselling practices

authors: Te Wiata, Joy

subjects: Pakeha identity

abstract: This project investigates the experiences of a small group of social service  practitioners as they consider the question of what it means to be Pakeha in Aotearoa New Zealand in 2004.  Specifically this study considers the contribution  of Māori cultural knowledges to Pakeha identity.  It also explores whether therapeutic practices that participants have available, are relevant to their current  claims of Pakeha identity.   This study highlights the complexity of experience and multiple stories that inform constructions of identity.   In approaching the topic I was aware that many  important stories of people's lived experience are not often told.  People are often silenced due to the difficulty of 'telling'.  In this exploration, space was created  for the telling of stories, which are often not easily told:  stories of struggle and pain; stories of compassionate witnessing; stories of rule-breaking; stories of  stepping into territory beyond binaries and stories of richness and delight.   Knowledges have been produced that indicate the need for carefully crafted space for often very difficult identity conversations to occur and for voices to be heard.   Further, the study has produced knowledges for scaffolding for respectful and honouring conversations .  The stories of this project indicate that the  conversations required, have their foundation through engagement with the value of fairness.  Findings also indicate that forums, where mutual contribution to  identity for both Māori and Pakeha can be acknowledged, are a critical to establishing ongoing honourable relationships between Pakeha and Māori New Zealanders.     Throughout this project participants acknowledge and honour the rich  contribution of Māori knowledges and language to their Pakeha identity.

text: A local Aotearoa New Zealand investigation of the contribution of Māori cultural knowledges to Pakeha identity and counselling practices This project investigates the experiences of a small group of social service  practitioners as they consider the question of what it means to be Pakeha in Aotearoa New Zealand in 2004.  Specifically this study considers the contribution  of Māori cultural knowledges to Pakeha identity.  It also explores whether therapeutic practices that participants have available, are relevant to their current  claims of Pakeha identity.   This study highlights the complexity of experience and multiple stories that inform constructions of identity.   In approaching the topic I was aware that many  important stories of people's lived experience are not often told.  People are often silenced due to the difficulty of 'telling'.  In this exploration, space was created  for the telling of stories, which are often not easily told:  stories of struggle and pain; stories of compassionate witnessing; stories of rule-breaking; stories of  stepping into territory beyond binaries and stories of richness and delight.   Knowledges have been produced that indicate the need for carefully crafted space for often very difficult identity conversations to occur and for voices to be heard.   Further, the study has produced knowledges for scaffolding for respectful and honouring conversations .  The stories of this project indicate that the  conversations required, have their foundation through engagement with the value of fairness.  Findings also indicate that forums, where mutual contribution to  identity for both Māori and Pakeha can be acknowledged, are a critical to establishing ongoing honourable relationships between Pakeha and Māori New Zealanders.     Throughout this project participants acknowledge and honour the rich  contribution of Māori knowledges and language to their Pakeha identity.

year: 2006

title: Does New Zealand law protect organic production?

authors: Wallace, Philippa Jane

subjects: organic farming

abstract: The primary focus of this thesis is to examine the extent to which New Zealand law enables effects of activities to be controlled for the purpose of preserving the integrity of an organic farm. In particular the thesis examines the impact of contaminant discharge, emanating from non-organic farming activities, in the form of agrichemicals and genetically modified organisms ( GMO ). Both types of discharge pose a serious threat to the continued existence and development of organic farms in New Zealand. The thesis explores the nature of the threats and possible approaches to resolving conflicts between organic and non-organic farming.
The issues raised are of contemporary importance, and although land use conflict has been thoroughly considered by courts and commentators, this particular conflict has not received the same degree of attention. The increase in organic farming and the introduction of GMO into the New Zealand environment are factors, which give impetus to the need to explore ways in which to resolve any conflict.
In New Zealand organic farms can be certified, pursuant to several different schemes, to provide an assurance that product has been produced in accordance certification standards. Those standards generally place restrictions upon the use of artificial substances and GMO. Organic farms are commonly located alongside non-organic farms, and therefore organic farmers must ensure that there is no incursion by these substances across the boundary of an organic farm.
The thesis examines the extent to which non-organic farmers can be constrained in relation to the emanation of contaminant discharge. It identifies internalisation of effects as being of critical importance to the continued existence and development of organic farming within New Zealand. Theoretical justifications are examined, and support for a requirement for internalisation of effects, which cause decertification, is identified from different sources including an economic approach, arguments from property rights, ethical duties to the environment and the tort liability theory of outcome responsibility.
A critical issue that threatens the preservation and viability of the organic farm is whether the organic farm can be termed a sensitive activity, thereby reducing the right to protection by the law. At common law, sensitivity represents an obstacle to recovery for loss suffered in both negligence and nuisance. The thesis explores the application of the concept of known vulnerability as a means by which to overcome the notion of sensitivity, as well as considering other theoretical justifications. It suggests evolution of the law, so as to preserve the opportunity to farm organically in New Zealand, and thus be in step with leading international initiatives to promote organic farming.
The research examines the statutory framework, and it is contended that in order to achieve integrated management of resources the RMA should be used in conjunction with HSNO to regulate the effects of hazardous substance and new organisms. The RMA is identified as a primary measure capable of providing effective protection of an organic farm. A requirement for internalisation of effects is recognised as the most flexible method to secure co-existence of conflicting activities.

text: Does New Zealand law protect organic production? The primary focus of this thesis is to examine the extent to which New Zealand law enables effects of activities to be controlled for the purpose of preserving the integrity of an organic farm. In particular the thesis examines the impact of contaminant discharge, emanating from non-organic farming activities, in the form of agrichemicals and genetically modified organisms ( GMO ). Both types of discharge pose a serious threat to the continued existence and development of organic farms in New Zealand. The thesis explores the nature of the threats and possible approaches to resolving conflicts between organic and non-organic farming.
The issues raised are of contemporary importance, and although land use conflict has been thoroughly considered by courts and commentators, this particular conflict has not received the same degree of attention. The increase in organic farming and the introduction of GMO into the New Zealand environment are factors, which give impetus to the need to explore ways in which to resolve any conflict.
In New Zealand organic farms can be certified, pursuant to several different schemes, to provide an assurance that product has been produced in accordance certification standards. Those standards generally place restrictions upon the use of artificial substances and GMO. Organic farms are commonly located alongside non-organic farms, and therefore organic farmers must ensure that there is no incursion by these substances across the boundary of an organic farm.
The thesis examines the extent to which non-organic farmers can be constrained in relation to the emanation of contaminant discharge. It identifies internalisation of effects as being of critical importance to the continued existence and development of organic farming within New Zealand. Theoretical justifications are examined, and support for a requirement for internalisation of effects, which cause decertification, is identified from different sources including an economic approach, arguments from property rights, ethical duties to the environment and the tort liability theory of outcome responsibility.
A critical issue that threatens the preservation and viability of the organic farm is whether the organic farm can be termed a sensitive activity, thereby reducing the right to protection by the law. At common law, sensitivity represents an obstacle to recovery for loss suffered in both negligence and nuisance. The thesis explores the application of the concept of known vulnerability as a means by which to overcome the notion of sensitivity, as well as considering other theoretical justifications. It suggests evolution of the law, so as to preserve the opportunity to farm organically in New Zealand, and thus be in step with leading international initiatives to promote organic farming.
The research examines the statutory framework, and it is contended that in order to achieve integrated management of resources the RMA should be used in conjunction with HSNO to regulate the effects of hazardous substance and new organisms. The RMA is identified as a primary measure capable of providing effective protection of an organic farm. A requirement for internalisation of effects is recognised as the most flexible method to secure co-existence of conflicting activities.

year: 2004