Mātauranga Māori in Construction 4.0

Intersecting the two worlds by finding common ground.

This research is part of the $10.3m Endeavour Funded project “Developing a Construction 4.0 transformation of Aotearoa New Zealand’s construction sector”. Integrating the Mātauranga Māori theme is global leading in aligning indigenous perspectives with modern engineering practices so that construction methodologies are culturally connected and environmentally sustainable. 

In our rangahau we have found that the unique relationship between Māori and the environment cannot be underestimated – and acknowledging and working within this relationship can help make the welfare of our planet a part of everyone’s personal journey. Te ao Māori (the Māori world) also has a unique, intergenerational connection to the physical world through an awareness of and respect for whakapapa – genealogical origins, evolution and history. This relationship to the natural world comes with deep responsibility and connection both to the ‘now’ and the ‘500 years from now’ and ties in well with the concepts of the circular economy. 

Collectively we all understand the importance of forging a future we can be proud of.

Te Tiriti o Waitangi training

Embracing te ao Māori provides an opportunity for businesses to wield a unique perspective – one that brings with it both cultural purpose and pragmatic, effective, and enduring action. It creates a secure environment for a Māori workforce. It increases cultural capability. It provides a chance for more fluent communication and connection.

Upholding the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi within the workplace not only makes good people sense, but also business sense – ensuring the economic wellbeing of Aotearoa for our future generations. 

Businesses in Aotearoa are increasingly recognising the importance of a growing Māori workforce and economy as vital to the core of our country. Navigating this space authentically is now the wero (challenge).

To support this journey, we’ve partnered with Empowering NZ to facilitate a one day wānanga to help individuals and organisations step up their understanding in this space. A program requirement of our Construction 4.0 kairangahau (researchers) has also been that they attend this training.

Mātauranga Māori toolbox

HERA has worked to develop a toolbox that allows businesses to take practical steps to integrate te ao Māori into their mahi. It is available freely to our members who have committed to our Mātauranga Māori program of works and have successfully completed Te Tiriti o Waitangi training either with HERA or at an equivalent offering.

Based online, “Mātauranga Māori in the workplace: unlocked” it is an interactive training course with downloadable resources and links to supporting kōrero and kaupapa. We have focused learning modules on the identified areas that industry have reported they’d like help navigating, as well as learnings from our own journey at HERA of embracing more mātauranga Māori in our workplace.