Smith, J.
Culture
Building Better Homes, Towns and Cities, ,
2018
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This paper presents the development of a Kaupapa Māori Ako Knowledge Transfer System (KTS), aimed at improving the impact and uptake of research findings within Māori communities and beyond.
The paper stresses the importance of embedding Knowledge Transfer practices within the research design to facilitate the application of research insights. It utilises traditional Māori knowledge transfer methods—such as whakapapa, pūrākau, and wānanga—alongside modern technological systems to forge a methodology that is not just about communication but serves as a tool for co-creating research cultures. This approach seeks to construct feedback loops and co-creation environments that encourage community involvement and ensure research findings are effectively implemented and disseminated. Smith advocates for a Kaupapa Māori KTS that transcends standard communication strategies by embedding it into the research process from planning and design through to implementation and dissemination. This system is designed to foster communities of interest around healthy and culturally significant built environments, supporting both Māori and non-Māori aspirations for sustainable, affordable housing. The paper references the Vision Mātauranga dimension of the Building Better Homes, Towns and Cities (BBHTC) National Science Challenge, proposing a unique opportunity to develop a Kaupapa-based KTS that aligns with Māori values and contributes to the overarching goal of creating better homes, towns, and cities. By leveraging existing Kaupapa Māori research practices and incorporating insights from Māori Housing Think Tank discussions, Smith conceptualises a KTS that strengthens connections among Māori researchers working in the BBHTC, engages a broad range of stakeholders, and promotes innovative solutions to housing challenges across the sector. The proposal includes practical recommendations for implementing the KTS, such as co-editing anthologies, developing educational packages, and creating podcasts to disseminate research findings effectively. Smith’s paper is a significant contribution to the field of Māori research, offering a comprehensive framework for integrating Kaupapa Māori principles into knowledge transfer processes. It highlights the potential of a well-designed KTS to enhance the impact of research on Māori housing and built environment issues, paving the way for more informed and culturally responsive decision-making.
