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Modern science and traditional Māori knowledge can work together

Having dual access to both traditional Māori knowledge and Western science can lead to better environmental outcomes, says a University of Canterbury (UC) ecologist.

Adjunct Associate Professor Shaun Ogilvie is one of 24 Māori academics featured in a new book. Photo: Grant Maiden

Associate Professor Ogilvie specialises in scientific research that is grounded in Māori values and mātauranga (traditional knowledge) and focuses on the connections between people and nature.

He says Māori knowledge systems and modern science need to have an equal footing to help solve environmental challenges. “The idea of humans not being connected to our environment is a problem that underpins a lot of the climate issues we are facing now.

“Returning to indigenous ways of thinking that emphasise how people are connected with nature can lead to some innovative solutions.”

Associate Professor Ogilvie, who is also the Director of Christchurch company Eco Research Associates Ltd, says mātauranga Māori and Western science are different but they can be complementary rather than competing against one another.

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