Gallery of research stories
Through its purchase agents, Vote Research, Science and Technology supports a range of research projects and programmes. Here are some examples.
Tā-Moko / Knowing our past, knowing our future
Dr Ngāhuia Te Awekotuku is working on a Marsden funded project (administered by the Royal Society of New Zealand) located in the Māori & Psychology Research Unit (Waikato University). ‘Tā Moko: Culture, Body Modification and the Psychology of Identity’ is a three year study which began in November 2001. It explores the origins, technology, and narratives of traditional Māori skin adornment, and also investigates contemporary practice, attitudes and expressions.
Revitalisation and enhancement of aquatic environments through mātauranga Māori
Dr Sean Ogilvie is leading a research project investigating the revitalisation and enhancement of aquatic environments through mātauranga Māori. Dr Ogilvie is based at the National Institute of Water & Atmospheric Research in Christchurch.
This project has been funded through the Joint Research Portfolio (HRC & FRST) part of the Māori Knowledge and Development Research output class.
Te Kete a Tini Rauhanga / Māori plant medicines
The Foundation for Research, Science and Technology (FRST) is administering Te Kete a Tini Rauhanga, an investigation of the native medicinal flora (rongoa Māori) used by Tuhoe, led by Dr Meto Leach through the University of Waikato.
This programme sees Dr Meto Leach and his research team work with respected Tohunga Rongoā or Māori medicine expert, Hohepa Kereopa, to investigate the traditional use of native flora. The aim of the research is to document the selection, preparation and medicinal uses of rongoā by Tūhoe and identify the bioactive compounds responsible for the medicinal properties observed. The project integrates mainstream science and traditional Māori knowledge with the objective of improving socio-economic and health outcomes for Māori. The programme, estimated to cost $320,000 pa, started in July 2001.
The University of Waikato programme is a good example of collaboration between a research provider and Māori. It also makes a significant contribution to developing Māori research capability by supporting two PhD scholarships in the area of natural product chemistry.
This project has been funded through the Joint Research Portfolio (HRC & FRST) part of the Māori Knowledge and Development Reseach output class.