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Week 6: Cultural & Science Integration

Weaving mātauranga Māori and empirical evidence for strong environmental action

🎯 Ngā Whāinga Ako / Learning Objectives

  • Identify where mātauranga Māori and science align in your solution.
  • Use both qualitative and quantitative data to justify design choices.
  • Prepare culturally responsive evidence for stakeholder presentations.

🌿 Te Taiao Māori / Cultural Context

Strong solutions respect whakapapa of people and place. Combine pūrākau, local indicators (maramataka, mahinga kai), and scientific measures to show holistic impact.

Whakataukī: "He iti nā te kupenga, he nui nā te whakaaro." (A small net, a great thought.)

Evidence Map

1. Cultural Evidence

  • Pūrākau or oral histories relevant to the issue
  • Local tikanga and kaitiaki guidance
  • Community observations (mahinga kai health, seasonal shifts)

2. Scientific Evidence

  • Water/soil/air quality measures
  • Biodiversity counts and trend data
  • Climate/weather patterns

3. Alignment & Tensions

Note where mātauranga Māori and science reinforce each other, and where tensions need dialogue.

Presentation Prep

Audience Plan

Whānau, iwi partners, council, scientists, and school leaders.

Key Messages

  • The issue and its impact (people + taiao)
  • Your solution and why it fits locally
  • Evidence of effectiveness (cultural + science)

Reflection / Whakaaro

  1. Where do cultural indicators and scientific data align most strongly?

  2. What tensions need discussion with whānau/iwi or scientists?

  3. How will you present both knowledge systems respectfully?