Introduction
This document outlines a framework for addressing Māori ethical issues within the context of decision-making by ethics committee members. It draws on a foundation of tikanga Māori (Māori protocols and practices) and will be useful for researchers, ethics committee members and those who engage in consultation or advice about Māori ethical issues from a local, regional, national or international perspective.
Context
Research contributes to the broader development objectives of society. Ethics has a specific role in guiding key behaviours, processes and methodologies used in research. International codes of ethics such as the Nuremburg Code (1947)2, the Helsinki Declaration (1964)3, the Belmont Report (1979)4 and, more recently, the UNESCO Universal Declaration on Bioethics and Human Rights (2005)5 shape the changing ethical standards and professional expectations for researchers.
These codes have often been developed in response to examples of research that resulted in adverse outcomes and/or experiences for participants and their communities. Despite formal processes and codes of ethics there is ongoing evidence of unethical research practice which highlights the importance of the researcher’s own credibility, trust, honesty and integrity vis-à-vis6 the research project and participants.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Context
Tikanga
Purpose
Background to the guidelines and the framework
Whakapapa – He aha te whakapapa o tēnei kaupapa?
Tika – Me pehea e tika ai tēnei kaupapa?
Manaakitanga – Mā wai e manaaki tēnei kaupapa?
Mana – Kei a wai te mana mō tēnei kaupapa?
Implementation
Glossary of Māori terms
Appendix A: Timeline of developments in Māori research ethics
Appendix B: Māori Ethical Frameworks
Appendix C: Characteristics of Māori research
Hudson M, Milne M, Reynolds P, Russell K and Smith B (2010) Te Ara Tika. Guidelines for Māori research ethics: A framework for researchers and ethics committee members. Final Draft. Available at: http://www.hrc.govt.nz/sites/default/files/Te%20Ara%20Tika%20Guidelines%20for%20Maori%20Research%20Ethics.pdf
