Author
Luise Schulte
schultel@landcareresearch.co.nz
Bioeconomy Science Institute
Auckland
&
Jesamine Wanoa
tangikaroro.native.nursery@gmail.com
Tangikaroro Native Nursery and Reserve, Te Araroa, New Zealand
Coauthors
Nikki Harcourt, Bioeconomy Science Institute, Hamilton, New Zealand
Ronny Groenteman, Bioeconomy Science Institute, Lincoln, New Zealand
Angela Bownes, Bioeconomy Science Institute, Lincoln, New Zealand
Abstract
Consultation with Māori (the Indigenous peoples of Aotearoa New Zealand) is mandatory for the Environmental Protection Authority to approve the release of new weed biological control agents in Aotearoa New Zealand. Yet Māori iwi and hapū (tribes and sub-tribes) frequently report that the technical framing of biocontrol does not resonate with them and that addressing concerns about whakapapa (genealogy, encompassing ancestral connections between people and the natural world) and potential non-target effects remains insufficient. These barriers threaten meaningful participation in decision-making and may limit future adoption of biocontrol approaches.
To address this gap, we co-developed communication resources that reframe biocontrol through Māori cultural concepts and narratives. Using a participatory design approach, iwi and hapū representatives were engaged through wānanga (deliberation) to shape the format, style, and content of a bilingual brochure and a short explanatory animation video. Both resources draw on te reo Māori (Māori language), metaphor, and storytelling to make technical concepts relatable and meaningful to Māori audiences.
This project offers a model for integrating indigenous perspectives into science communication to strengthen engagement, transparency and shared decision-making in weed biocontrol policy and practice.
keywords
Indigenous engagement
co-design
science communication
Aotearoa New Zealand
Highlights
Co-designed resources reframe weed biocontrol using Māori cultural concepts.
Bilingual brochure and video support consultation and engagement with iwi/hapū.
Approach builds bicultural capability