Relations between the University of Otago and Pacific Island
communities are set to get even closer with the official
launch of a new set of research protocols next week aimed at
strengthening partnerships.
University Vice-chancellor Prof Harlene Hayne is to welcome
representatives from Pacific Island communities, alongside
university and academic staff members, at a function in the
clocktower council chambers on Tuesday at noon.
University council members approved the Pacific protocol
research guidelines this week.
In the document, the university acknowledges "the quality of
the relationships it hopes to foster and maintain with
Pacific communities is the essential foundation for all
research development".
University council member Prof Judy Bennett, a Pacific Island
historian, said research relationships with island
communities were often "a lot like a marriage".
"Once you start working with Pacific communities, you will
have a relationship which lasts through the years," she said.
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