Key insights from consultation with Pacific researchers on the future of our science system

Across Aotearoa and Te Moana Nui a Kiwa (the Pacific Ocean), there are many different Pacific Peoples who all have varied relationships with our research, science and innovation system.

MBIE’s consultation on Te Ara Paerangi Future Pathways Green Paper did not reach as many Pacific researchers and research users as we would have liked. To ensure that Pacific Peoples’ voices on the reform are heard, we undertook a round of engagement targeted towards Pacific Peoples who work in or are connected to the sector. 

In June, we held two talanoa and two focus group sessions with Pacific researchers and research users to hear their perspectives on the research, science and innovation sector.  

During these sessions, we heard about changes needed for the research, science and innovation system to support Pacific Peoples, including that the system needs to:

• be responsive to and respectful of culturally diverse research practices and research methodologies, cultural protocols and languages
• recognise and celebrate Pacific research excellence as it is understood and celebrated by Pacific researchers
• support the integration of Pacific methodologies in research across all disciplines of research
• grow the research workforce pipeline, provide secure employment which supports Pacific researchers, and have a strategy to retain Pacific research talent within the system.

The full report summarising what we heard during the talanoa and focus groups is available to read now. The report will inform ongoing policy development and the vision for the future system, we will continue working with Pacific Peoples as this work progresses.

Read key insights from the Pacific research consultation for Te Ara Paerangi – Future Pathways:

Te Ara Paerangi – Future Pathways