All indigenous cultures had practical knowledge of their environment. That’s what keeps anthropologists in business.
But all useful parts of Maori knowledge is already part of modern science, already invented by modern science as part of the Industrial Revolution.
Is there anything that is unique in Maori knowledge that was not sooner or later discovered by other cultures?
The politicians seem to have steered clear of the controversy over matauranga Maori and science in which the Royal Society of New Zealand has become embroiled.
This is perturbing. The meaning of “science” in this country – and how it is taught – will be influenced by the way the controversy is resolved. So, too, will the difference between truth and belief.
Soon the government will be evaluating feedback after launching the Te Ara Paerangi – Future Pathways Green Paper to prompt a consultation on the future of the country’s research, science and innovation science system.
Associate science minister Ayesha Verrall ominously said at the launch:
“Te Tiriti needs to be embedded right across the design and delivery of the system, and more opportunities need to exist for mātauranga Māori.”
Does she mean opportunities for a belief system? An alternative view of the world? Or what?
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Utopia, you are standing in it! 
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