Collaborating with our communities - Annual Report 2024

7 June, 2025

Mātauranga Māori panel at our 2024 annual symposium

A panel discussion on engaging with Māori communities brought together voices from diverse fields to explore strategies for meaningful collaboration. Facilitated by Deputy Director Māori Associate Professor Pauline Harris, the session featured Strategic Manager Māori Kirsty Doyle (Ngāti Kahungunu, Rongomaiwahine, Ngāti Rakaipaaka), Associate Investigator Dr Taniela Lolohea (Tongan) from Te Wānanga Aronui o Tāmaki Makau Rau Auckland University of Technology and filmmaker and community collaborator Hiona Henare (Ngāi Tara, Muaūpoko, Ngāti Huia).

Pauline Harris facilitating the panel at the annual symposium

The panel explored how engagement with Māori communities requires genuine relationship-building, respect for cultural values and a shared vision for achieving community goals. The stories shared by each speaker provided examples of how these principles are applied in practice.

Hiona brought a landowner's perspective, highlighting the importance of collaboration that is grounded in understanding the land and its stories. She spoke about being open to working with scientists and encouraged them to walk the land, fostering deeper connections with the whenua (land) and the people who hold its guardianship.

Taniela shared his experiences working closely with a school in Tonga on a water monitoring project, which provides practical solutions for the community. This collaboration demonstrates how scientific initiatives can address immediate needs while fostering relationships and building rangatahi capability.

From left: Kirsty Doyle, Hiona Henare and Taniela Lolohea at the annual symposium 2024

Kirsty emphasised a community-centric approach that places the aspirations of Māori communities at the forefront of engagement efforts. She reflected on the importance of taking the time to build genuine relationships, fostering trust and ensuring that voices are truly heard. Kirsty highlighted that meaningful collaboration begins with deeply listening to the goals and values of the community and aligning efforts to support those aspirations authentically.

Through these stories, the panel highlighted common themes of trust, respect, and a commitment to aligning scientific and collaborative initiatives with the values and priorities of Māori and Pacific communities. Together, the speakers illustrated the transformative potential of culturally responsive engagement to create meaningful and enduring outcomes.