July 19, 2021
Unwieldy WAI 262 claim needs new structure for progress
A Māori intellectual property researcher says a new approach to leadership and a new structure is needed to carry forward the issues raised in the WAI 262 Fauna and Flora Claim.
Karaitiana Taiuru was one of the speakers at yesterday’s online Kia Whakapūmau symposium, and he says the way the claim expanded to encompass everything from the protection of artworks to genetic modification is a tribute to the vision and world view of the original claimants.
He says the logical way forward is to review the different areas so there can be multiple streams of action.
He wants to see scientists and technologists coming through to stand alongside traditional Māori leadership.
"One of the issues we have now is government look to iwi and looks to established treaty partners rather than experts in the area, and iwi don't always have the skill set to reach out to the experts so I don't know the solution but there needs to be change in the way we as individuals and hapū and iwi come together to make decisions," Mr Taiuru says.
He says whānau, iwi and hapū should be taking measures to protect their own knowledge and their genetic material from abuse.
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