A Treaty-based approach to creating impact: aligning the expectations of individual researchers and their organisations to achieve collective impact.

Dr Andrea Byrom, Co-Director and In the Biological Heritage National Science and Challenge Melanie Mark-Shadbolt, Director Maori, Biological Heritage National Science Challenge

In the Biological Heritage National Science Challenge Ngā Koiora Tuku Iho, we have become increasingly interested in how to establish and maintain a ‘Treaty-based’ approach to creating lasting impact for Aotearoa. This includes: establishing a shared vision; co-designing all our investments and equitably resourcing Mātauranga Māori and kaupapa Māori; having ‘fearless’ conversations that address issues of institutionalised power and control; ensuring that we seek out and include people who will uphold our shared values; taking the time to build deep and trusted relationships; investment in the Māori research leaders of the future; and upskilling non-Māori in tikanga ways of working, in a safe and inclusive environment. Much of the time, this involves aligning the expectations of individual researchers and their organisations, which we will explore in our presentation.

Andrea and Melanie will speak about their experiences and we will host a Q&A session.

Time: 12.30pm – 1:30pm

Date: Monday 6 July

Dr Andrea Byrom, Co-Director, Biological Heritage National Science Challenge

Andrea’s research is aimed at understanding how global threats (climate change, invasive species, and land clearance) affect the native plants and animals of New Zealand. She has worked on similar issues in Australia and Africa. As a co-Director of the Biological Heritage NSC, Andrea is keen to see a transformational shift in the way we do science in Aotearoa: to a more inclusive, diverse and collaborative approach that will create lasting impacts and benefit for this country.

Melanie Mark-Shadbolt is of Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa, Ngāti Porou, Te Arawa, Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāti Tuwharetoa, Te Atiawa, Mackintosh and Gunn descent. She is an indigenous environmental sociologist and is currently the Kaihautū Chief Māori Advisor to the Ministry for the Environment, the Director Māori of NZ’s Biological Heritage NSC, and the CEO of Te Tira Whakamātaki Foundation and Te Tira Whakamātaki Social Enterprise. She is a specialist in traditional knowledge issues as they relate specifically to biosecurity and sustainable natural resource management. Her work has covered research in stakeholder values, attitudes and behaviours, social acceptability of management practices and risk communication, and the wider human dimensions of environmental health. She currently serves on a number of national advisory bodies including the PMCSA’s Plastics Panel, the Myrtle Rust Governance Group, Rauika Mangai and the Ngā Pae o te Māramatanga CoRE’s Climate Change Programme. Alongside a number of biosecurity awards, Melanie was a finalist in the 2019 Westpac Women of Influence Awards, Science, Health and Innovation Category.