Unique publication will 'create a stir'

A special Maori-focused edition of the University of Otago's annual publication of research highlights will be sent to ethnic peoples around the world, as a leading example of academic partnerships with indigenous populations.

The university releases an annual glossy research publication titled He Kitenga as a snapshot of its most outstanding research projects being undertaken by academic staff and students.

Otago vice-chancellor Prof Harlene Hayne this week formally released the first edition of He Kitenga Maori - a companion piece to He Kitenga - at a meeting of the university council. .

Prof Hayne told council members she believed the special edition highlighting the university's best Maori-oriented research programmes was "unique in the world" and would "create a stir" for its focus on indigenous partnerships.

"We developed this booklet as a companion piece to He Kitenga, because we found the depth and breadth of our Maori research warranted its own publication."

The document focuses exclusively on research programmes that are partnered alongside indigenous concerns and matters connected with Maori.

The document would be sent to indigenous groups around the world, Prof Hayne said.

Ngai Tahu research consultation committee chairwoman Eleanor Murphy said university researchers at Otago were providing a potential international template for other indigenous peoples.

"This is a wonderful publication. It is a first for the promotion of [indigenous] research."

University of Otago research in the areas of health, such as one example studying the prevalence of diabetes among Maori, Pacific, and Asian populations, had been discussed at a recent international conference of indigenous people she had attended, Mrs Murphy said.

The research partnership between the university and Te Runanga o Ngai Tahu was formally established in 2001, when the parties signed a memorandum of understanding to found the Ngai Tahu research consultation committee.

The value of this treaty partnership was evident in the growth of Maori research across the university during the past decade, Prof Hayne says in a foreword introduction in He Kitenga Maori.