Ngā Uaua - Our Values

Ngā Uaua express the core values that shape how we work and who we are as an institute. Grounded in manaakitanga, whanaungatanga, kotahitanga, and māramatanga, these values guide how we support people, strengthen relationships, unite our efforts, and work collectively.

They anchor our approach to research, collaboration, and capability development, ensuring our work aligns with the MacDiarmid Institute Te Mana Tangata Whakawhanake and reinforces a people‑centred, culturally grounded, and future‑focused commitment to advancing Aotearoa New Zealand.

Incorporating te ao Māori into our work is valuable to all of Aotearoa New Zealand and those who create a thriving environment for every generation.

In Te Ao Māori, the wellbeing of people and the wellbeing of the natural world are inseparable. People and the environment are one. When the land is cared for, its people thrive; when the land is harmed, its people are diminished.

Through our connections to the natural world and its diverse people and cultures, we focus on new economies that sustain and respect the limits of natural resources. This requires a shift in how we value, use and dispose of resources, creating a circular system, as in nature.

Te Ao Tūroa (our natural world) is a prevalent part of Māori culture and history. The connection to the natural environment of Aotearoa is vital to Māori cultural identity. A reminder of our responsibility to protect the enduring natural world.

Manaakitanga (care, hospitality, protect)

He rau ringa e oti ai - many hands make light work.

This encourages people to work together. It can be used to invite people to participate or to acknowledge the effort and work of many and extends to the importance of ensuring that all who are involved in our programmes exercise care for people and be good hosts to our manuhiri (guests).

The MacDiarmid Institute enacts manaakitanga through materials science research to care for the planet's changing needs through minimising the material impact we make on the world.

In the Māori worldview, the wellbeing of the environment is a responsibility held by everyone — whānau, hapū, iwi, and wider communities.

Kotahitanga (unity, togetherness, collective action)

Nāu te rourou, nāku te rourou, ka ora ai te iwi - working together in collaboration.

The importance of developing shared understandings and recognition of interdisciplinary research that utilises and integrates knowledge from a wide range of research disciplines.

The MacDiarmid Institute enacts kotahitanga by working for an equitable, diverse and inclusive future for all on this planet. Within the Institute, we ensure diversity within decision-making groups so that diverse voices are represented, create environments where everyone is encouraged to speak up and target funding/support for Investigators from under-represented groups. And we have Codes of Conduct for events that ensure equity and diversity.

We also have a growing body of alumni who stay connected and continue to network with current students and researchers.

Whanaungatanga (relationships, a sense of connection)

He waka eke noa - a canoe which we are all in with no exception.

We demonstrate we are all in this together, and focus on the most effective ways to collaborate and connect.

The desire for relationships and/or collaborations with tangata whenua and mana whenua is a strategic aim for the Institute. These relationships may involve co-management and co-planning.

The MacDiarmid Institute enacts whanaungatanga by enabling connections and relationships by fostering the development of Investigators and students. We value teamwork, we are collaborative, and we communicate authentically and transparently, valuing our people. We ensure these values are in place when we are working with our partners and when organising meetings.

Māramatanga (understanding, enlightenment, significance)

Whaiwhia te kete mātauranga - fill the basket of knowledge. We share educational events/workshops to encourage people to fill their baskets with knowledge, the paths of learning.

Mātauranga Māori is an important strategic aim that can help guide decision making, management, and the monitoring of procedures. This recognises the innovative potential of Māori knowledge, its contribution to research activities and the usefulness of culturally appropriate data.

The MacDiarmid Institute enacts māramatanga by growing our people’s capability in research, commercialisation, and community engagement, guided by evidence‑based methodologies incorporating culture, values and world views.