Epilogue

Nāu te whakaaro; nāku te whakaaro, ka ora ai te mātauranga
With your thinking, and my thinking, our understanding will be enriched

This statement – adapted from the whakataukī (proverb) in the prologue of this book – refers to the strength and worthiness of two streams of knowledge: bringing them together and drawing from both, in order to seek better outcomes in what is being undertaken. The work that has been showcased here highlights the benefits that accrue when each stream of knowledge is valued and included in shaping research, policy and practice. As editors, we would like to acknowledge the contributions from each author, and to thank them for sharing their knowledge and their learning as inspiration to others in their area of work.

At the outset of this book, a series of questions were asked. The chapters included in this volume have unpacked these questions and provided real-life examples of the ways in which He Awa Whiria has guided and influenced research, policy and practice. As previously highlighted, this book emerged in response to the various challenges that were often faced by researchers working in Western-dominated spaces – namely the privileging of Western knowledge, which resulted in the marginalisation of mātauranga Māori. Rather than adopting an either/or approach, or a win/lose response, it was deemed more beneficial to take an inclusive pathway, where both knowledge streams were accorded dignity and respect. The authors have offered evidence that adopting this approach results in ‘best of both worlds’ outcomes; this is also fundamental to upholding the tenets of the Treaty of Waitangi. Partnership and collaboration are at the heart of He Awa Whiria.

The chapters in this book have individually and collectively demonstrated that a rethinking of ‘what counts as knowledge’ is essential, and that mātauranga Māori has an integrity of its own, alongside Western knowledge. The chapters have also shown that drawing from both streams of knowledge has resulted in pathways emerging, or outcomes unfolding, that otherwise would not have been possible. Working in partnership – and ensuring both Treaty partners have a voice – enables what counts as knowledge to be broadened, and provides opportunities to unleash the potential of knowledge that would otherwise have remained untapped.

As a result of repositioning what counts as knowledge – and through working in partnership – attitudes and actions change. This leads to the notion of working within a shared space in which planning and decision-making are undertaken collaboratively, and where each voice is listened to. In essence, the He Awa Whiria approach mitigates any potential risks to research and practice if Western knowledge is deemed superior and continues to dominate. As the chapters have illustrated, He Awa Whiria opens the doors for benefits to accrue for all parties within research, policy and practice. By working together, and by drawing from both streams of knowledge, solutions emerge that otherwise would not have been possible if only one stream of knowledge had been considered. It has been reiterated throughout this book that He Awa Whiria does not promote assimilatory practices, but rather emphasises the unique status and features of each knowledge stream. At times, the streams come together, and at times, they remain apart. What is important, though, is that both streams contribute, and that we value both – and in doing so, the bicultural obligations that are inherent in our country’s founding document, the Treaty of Waitangi, are upheld. This may require stepping outside of one’s comfort zone, but with the understanding that the shared space is ultimately a safe space within which to work.

As a framework, He Awa Whiria is in its early years, but it has made a significant mark in tertiary institutions, government organisations, ministerial portfolios, research centres, National Science Challenges and the private sector. It is also beginning to have international impact, where researchers overseas – both Indigenous and non-Indigenous – are adopting He Awa Whiria to guide their thinking and actions in their respective fields of work. Preliminary observations indicate that He Awa Whiria is providing a pathway for other knowledge-building communities, globally, to envision a way forward wherein their respective streams of knowledge are included. In addition, He Awa Whiria is enabling partnerships to form, where collaboration and co-construction are at the core at each stage of an endeavour.

The visual representation of the braided river metaphor foreshadows the intentions of the framework, highlighting the power of an image to tell a story. The word stories within each chapter complement the unique imagery of He Awa Whiria, and underscore the impact that can be made when text and symbols combine.

In closing, it is hoped that this book will inspire others to take on He Awa Whiria, so that the creation of new thinking and practices will continue to result in improved outcomes, as has been clearly illustrated in each of the chapters. The possibilities this framework affords are exciting, dynamic and boundless. May the courseways that He Awa Whiria carves out continue to bring about authentic collaboration, enduring partnerships and fruitful outcomes for all.

He moana pukepuke e ekengia e te waka
Choppy waters can be navigated

Associate Professor Sonja Macfarlane and Dr. Melissa Derby
1 June 2023