Mātauranga Māori—the ūkaipō of knowledge in New Zealand.

Abstract

Mātauranga Māori spans Māori knowledge, culture, values, and world view. Pūrākau and maramataka (forms of mātauranga Māori) comprise knowledge generated using methods and techniques developed independently from other knowledge systems. Mātauranga Māori has hitherto been ignored or disregarded by the science community because it seemed to be myth and legend, fantastic and implausible. However, it includes knowledge generated using techniques consistent with the scientific method but explained according to a Māori world view. Acknowledging this extends the history of scientific endeavour back to when Māori arrived in Aotearoa and Te Wai Pounamu, many centuries ago.