March 16, 2023
NASA hears Māori celestial view
A Māori teaching fellow at Auckland University says NASA has shown more respect for indigenous Māori celestial knowledge and values – than New Zealand’s own space agencies and industry.
Te Kahuratai Moko-Painting, of the faculty of science, was part of this week’s welcome at the university marae for NASA administrator Bill Nelson and his deputy, former space shuttle pilot Pam Melroy.
They’re here to develop partnerships on climate research.
Te Kahuratai Moko-Painting says they seemed aware of indigenous concerns about space exploration and exploitation.
“I think NASA being welcomed at the marae, and giving time to someone like me to speak to them about our experience of space policy – of how space agencies have changed how we see the night sky is something that the New Zealand space agency and the New Zealand space industry needs to follow their example” he says.
Te Kahuratai Moko-Painting says the rush to colonise space with satellite communications and rockets, needs global regulation to avoid a wild west free for all.