What are the cultural, ethical, research, legal and scientific (CERLS) issues that are inherent in research on rongoā Māori plants and healing?

Debate about the misappropriation of information and knowledge in research means that greater care and attention is needed regarding Māori input and participation into research. This is even more important in the area of Rongoā Māori where matters such as inappropriate usage, intellectual property rights and commercialisation of information are of significant concern.

How can a pūtaiao ‘living laboratory’ approach that uses local learning environments help rangatahi Māori reclaim science in Te Hiku?

Our aim is to “science-up” Māori communities by exploring the untapped potential of our

local environments as living laboratories for rangatahi Māori so that they become more engaged with science at school and in their lives. The proposal responds to needed improvements in science education outcomes for Te Hiku rangatahi and will inform and contribute to new initiatives to be negotiated with education authorities and environmental strategies that strengthen Māori medium and mainstream science education for rangatahi Maori.