March 11, 2014
Research cuts hurts Maori prospects
Labour MP Nanaia Mahuta has slammed the imminent removal of funding for the Maori Centre of Research Excellence, Nga Pae o te Maramatanga.
Ms Mahuta, who is the party’s associate spokesperson for research, science and innovation, says it’s a slap in the face for Maori knowledge.
The Royal Society, which recommends where the money for centres of research excellence should go, has opened up the latest round of funding to all comers, meaning some established centres failed to make the shortlist.
Ms Mahuta says the decision reflects badly on National’s coalition partner, the Maori Party.
She says Maori innovation is key to enhancing and leveraging economic and social advancement, and the Government can’t on the one hand talk about the huge contribution that Maori make to the country without supporting Maori knowledge and research capacity.
A Labour government would support a centre of excellence for high quality Maori research.
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