Unveiling the Layers of Mātauranga Māori and Geology

Rocks - Water - Carbon - Climate - Life
Dr J Michael Palin (Mike), University of Otago

Slow cycling of carbon between atmosphere, ocean, and rock has kept Earth’s climate hospitable to life for most of its 4.5-billion-year history. Humans have perturbed this cycle by burning 300 million years’ worth of rock carbon in less than 200 years. To avoid the worst consequences of these emissions, we will need to find ways to put the carbon back where it belongs—in rock.

Mātauranga Māori and Science: A Comparison
Associate Professor Dan Hikuroa | he/him, Te Wānanga o Waipapa, Waipapa Taumata Rau/University of Auckland

Mātauranga Māori is a continuum of distinct knowledge with ancient origins in the tropical Pacific. It comprises Māori worldviews, values, culture and cultural practice, and perspectives that establish Māori identity, responsibilities, and privileges to use resources sustainably. Hitherto mostly ignored or disregarded by the science community because it seemed to be myth and legend, fantastic and implausible, mātauranga Māori includes knowledge generated using techniques consistent with the scientific method, but explained according to a Māori world view.

This presentation will provide an introduction to mātauranga Māori and discuss differences and similarities with science.

4pm, Tuesday 22 April
Barclay Theatre
Free