Māori frameworks for ‘Responsible Innovation’

Māori frameworks are deeply rooted in spirituality, unity with our constant changing environments and socio-political concerns. They serve as cornerstones or guiding posts from a result of the exploits and lessons learnt from a genesis of stories, traditions and histories retained by each iwi over centuries. Māori use unique oral systems scripted in ancient Whakapapa that captures the essence and spirituality of humankind working together in unison with Atua. To understand Māori you must understand the mechanisms and characteristics of Whakapapa which guide us.

Today devotion is still given to respective Atua in many forms and shapes. Customs are repeated sacredly and respectfully, understanding we are ‘Spirit’ first in the way we recognise those who teach, care, create and lead — acknowledging their gifts and the source of their skills and inspiration.

One dimension of Māori is protecting the environment and preserving her abundance for our future prosperity using basic principals through signs and symbols intricately and strategically woven throughout the universe. Māori act as caretakers and guides to bridge ancient knowledge lost in earlier civilizations forward, towards maintaining a balance between dimensions.

When advancing any new scientific innovation with super intelligent eco-systems such as ‘Nature’ it is important that maintaining her integrity is at the heart of every new project we do. It is not the activity itself that brings meaning to our environment but the intentional value we give our world.

The universe responds in a unique way depending on who is observing it.

Whether we tap into spirituality or established science we are tapping into the same frequency source of the cosmic vibration (mauri; life-force) given from Io.

Understanding the importance of working simultaneously with our environments is our code of conduct for our ‘currency in life’.

Overview

What is ‘responsible innovation’ at the personal, project, organisational and community-levels? Who decides and who should decide what is responsible?

What is ‘responsible’?

Our moral compass, a code of ethics within us, guides us to act uprightly, with a deep commitment to what is morally right. It reflects how we feel about ourselves and how dedicated we are to responding from a place of love and compassion—not out of obligation, but because it’s an authentic desire to do so.

Integrity is the foundation of our actions, thoughts, and words. It’s a devotion to honouring both our conduct and surroundings, celebrating the small things that enrich our lives. It’s understanding the miracle of life, finding purpose, and building resilience in the face of challenges, whether personal or societal. It’s the courage to fully embrace life, free from fear, so we can grow in this shared experience.

At its core, responsible living is as simple as caring for our own health and well-being. It’s the ability to make sound decisions, sustain ourselves, and navigate life with clarity. It is the license to act spiritually, mentally, physically, and emotionally in alignment with our values. It’s the desire to improve, take pride in our identity, and honour the legacy of our Tūpuna.

Responsibility also lies in our ability to discern right from wrong, making wise choices and taking accountability for our actions. It’s being present to ourselves and others, always striving to make decisions that reflect our core beliefs. The process of questioning our perspectives and challenging what we accept shapes who we are and how we behave in the world.

Ultimately, responsibility means having the knowledge to act appropriately, understanding what we can control, and being accountable for our actions.

Responsible innovation’ at a personal level means thinking beyond oneself—it’s about caring for both yourself and your environment. It involves not just gaining new knowledge, but also considering how to apply it appropriately. Innovation enables us to explore new possibilities within old concepts, using an advanced perspective that enhances our ability to embrace new ideas while creating a safe environment that upholds responsibility.

By embracing responsibility, we foster action, confidence, and the creation of positive, safe environments that serve as secure foundations for our communities to thrive and adapt to change. While we possess the infrastructure to support progress, the missing piece is often a deeper spiritual understanding that unifies and strengthens us.

What is Responsible Innovation at;

Project Level?

The opportunity lies in creating self-sustaining systems grounded in core principles and values. These strengths offer solutions that respect natural processes, maintaining a seamless and harmonious flow of production without exploitation.

Organisational Level?

The collective efforts of the entire team shape Kaupapa Māori frameworks, enabling us to pursue what we love while staying true to our values. By defining regional qualities and fostering leadership through education, we emphasize the responsibility to act on new knowledge and drive meaningful change at every level. Through an interdisciplinary and structured curriculum, we facilitate the innovative transfer of knowledge, paving the way for progress and transformation.

Community-levels?

Responsible innovation at the community level involves integrating Tikanga—cultural practices and values—into the process of innovation, ensuring that new ideas and solutions align with the needs and well-being of the community. It requires creating change that respects cultural traditions, promotes inclusivity, and strengthens connections among people. By embracing Tikanga, responsible innovation fosters a collective sense of responsibility, where the community is actively engaged in shaping solutions that benefit everyone. It is about finding ways to innovate that are not only effective but also culturally appropriate, ensuring that progress honours and sustains the values, practices, and traditions that form the foundation of the community.

Who decides and who should decide what is responsible? (…. vs who takes responsibility?

Who decides?

Cultural Values vs Cultural services.

The distinction between cultural values and cultural services is crucial when considering responsible innovation. There are different levels of management and governance, and Whakapapa provides the wisdom to guide our tikanga, ensuring accountability throughout our practices. For example, Tane, the God of the Forest, cares for the land, trees, and plants, while Tangaroa, the God of the Sea, is responsible for the fish. This illustrates the importance of understanding our roles and the boundaries within our environments. In today’s digital world, ignorance is no longer an option; it is essential to navigate innovation with a deeper understanding of these cultural frameworks.

Innovation should be seen as a partnership—one that provides the vehicle for the meaningful change we seek. As social and tribal beings, humans rely on our tribes and communities for safety, support, and identity. The tikanga of each region outlines how we, as kaitiaki (guardians), maintain the sustenance necessary for our existence. Tangata Whenua possess the deep knowledge of the unique characteristics of each region, guiding us in our collective responsibility.

Present-day challenges can be measured by the standards of our shared responsibilities in preserving society. Innovation is an opportunity to improve upon the past, building on our love for the natural world. However, many existing research models fail to consider the collective well-being of those living and working on the land. As innovation becomes a trend, communities are often cut off from accessing their own resources, and those who should benefit end up paying the true cost of progress. Therefore, it is crucial to seek permission from the appropriate kaitiaki or tangata whenua before moving forward, fostering trust and respect in any partnership.

What frameworks should guide responsible innovation, including with Māori communities, e.g. tikanga-based frameworks, Te Tiriti o Waitangi, etc?

Responsible innovation, especially in partnership with Māori communities, should be guided by frameworks rooted in tikanga, Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and the principles of guardianship and stewardship. These frameworks acknowledge the role of Iwi (tribes) as custodians and oathkeepers of whakapapa and tikanga, ensuring that cultural values are preserved and respected in the process of innovation. Māori knowledge is not only learned in classrooms but through hands-on experiences with the land, as embodied in the concept of wananga—where people learn directly from the environment. Innovation must be rooted in action, as knowledge not applied through practice can be lost over time. By engaging with these frameworks, innovation can honor both the traditional wisdom and the needs of the future, ensuring that progress is both meaningful and sustainable.

What are existing and suggested practices, issues, successes and failures for responsible innovation from a range of different perspectives, specifically Māori communities?

Responsible innovation, particularly in Māori communities, involves a variety of frameworks and practices that prioritize cultural values and ancestral knowledge. Key concepts like tikanga (cultural practices), mātauranga Māori (Māori knowledge), te reo Māori (language), and whakapapa (ancestral lineage) are integral to understanding indigenous perspectives on innovation and ecosystems. These frameworks guide decision-making, especially in resource management and environmental sustainability.

Kaitiakitanga, or guardianship, is a crucial concept in Māori culture, guiding responsible management of natural resources. It is embedded in the Resource Management Act 1991, which works in conjunction with the Treaty of Waitangi to ensure Māori cultural values are respected in planning and decision-making. The Māori King Movement, or Kīngitanga, further reinforces this role of guardianship, linking Māori leadership with the protection of whakapapa and historical events.

However, there are challenges and failures when innovation or resource management is approached from a place of entitlement rather than mutual respect and partnership. Historical examples like the New Zealand flax industry, the Treaty of Waitangi’s impact, the Tohunga Suppression Act 1907, and more recent 2024 protests between the Crown-Māori relations highlight the consequences of ignoring Māori rights and values. These failures underline the importance of re-evaluating relationships and evolving approaches to innovation and resource management, ensuring that Māori communities are seen as equal partners.

Successful responsible innovation must involve a partnership approach, guided by Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and rooted in Māori knowledge and cultural principles. By learning from past mistakes and embracing holistic frameworks like kaitiakitanga, tangible results can be achieved through respectful and collaborative efforts.