Abstract
Background: This research examines how co-design principles can enhance the integration of Indigenous perspectives in research, particularly in developing a Māori-informed breeding programme for mānuka. By embedding Māori values and knowledge systems, co-design offers a pathway for meaningful collaboration between plant breeders and Indigenous communities. The aim of this study was to use components of co-design to
develop tools that evaluate Māori landowner views, with the intention of informing the design of a mānuka breeding programme led by Ngāti Porou Miere, a Māori entity comprising of landowners from Ngāti Porou. This thesis concentrates on the creation of a survey to gather Māori worldviews on gene editing, and on the selective breeding practices Māori consider appropriate for implementation in a taonga species (species considered culturally significant) breeding programme.
Design: This study involved the development of two draft resources, a survey and an information pamphlet, both intended to facilitate informed landowner participation in the establishment of a mānuka breeding programme. The information pamphlet was specifically developed by the candidate for this study, incorporating information on
breeding techniques under the guidance of academic supervisors. The survey was adapted from previous surveys conducted by AbacusBio Ltd, ensuring contextual relevance to mānuka and alignment with the objectives of the proposed breeding programme. Ngāti Porou Miere, a collective of landowners and trusts from the Ngāti Porou
region and involved in the mānuka honey industry, identified and selected participants for the study based on the diversity of their experiences and background relevant to their mānuka-related work. Grounded in a kaupapa Māori methodology, the study followed the consultation phase of co-design, engaging tāngata Māori in the critical review and analysis of the draft resources. With the support of Ngāti Porou Miere, ten participants participated in semi-structured interviews, providing qualitative insights into the effectiveness and cultural relevance of these materials in the context of the proposed mānuka breeding programme.
Results: Participants offered valuable feedback on the accessibility and applicability of the resources, linking their perspectives to broader cultural and environmental contexts. The majority of participants (70%) gave positive feedback on the pamphlet, while the remaining 30% found it too information-heavy, suggesting further simplification and the inclusion of more supportive imagery to improve comprehension. Of the 37 survey questions, participants reflected upon 78% of the survey questions, while the remaining 22% were either not addressed or skipped. Just over half (56%) of the questions were discussed positively rated ‘good’ with ‘good answer options’. Challenges with the survey included the need for clarification on certain questions, improved wording, and structural adjustments. The interviews highlighted the importance of whanaungatanga (relationships) and kaitiakitanga (guardianship) to participants, emphasising the need for meaningful engagement, ongoing dialogue, adaptability, and culturally aligned research practices.
Conclusion: The draft resources were generally regarded as a valuable starting point for supporting the formation of a Māori-informed mānuka breeding programme. Participants found them relevant and insightful, often connecting their feedback to broader cultural and research goals. Only minor adaptations were needed to ensure the materials were accessible and appropriate for a diverse audience. These responses reflect the importance of Indigenous leadership and how co-design and participatory plant breeding, alongside kaupapa Māori approaches, can shape ethical, community-centred research that supports both academic objectives with cultural aspirations.