Te Taumata will submit a future-focused analysis towards a more resilient future for our mokopuna to Government today.

The study, titled ‘Maori Interests and Geographic Indicators – Strategic Intellectual Property Management enabling Maori whanau development’, is a comprehensive analysis by world-class technical experts and will be sent to Minister of Maori Development, Hon. Nanaia Mahuta.

Te Taumata chair, Chris Karamea Insley, says COVID-19 is unprecedented in its impact on the world, and forces Maori whanau and businesses to revisit and challenge generally accepted views, rules and practices. He says the analysis is set against a backdrop of longstanding issues raised by Maori that must be addressed.

“For Maori, this analysis is timely. It proposes a new approach for Maori to secure and benefit from both tangible and intangible assets, nationally and internationally, and outlines initial steps towards creating a ‘smart’, collective Maori economy,” he says.

“The proposals are consistent with Government objectives and the three Kete of the Te Pae Tawhiti, but present Maori with the means to seize valuable options for our future. The analysis also considers views raised by whanau across the motu on protection of Māori rights and interests in whenua, flora and fauna, matauranga Maori, traditional knowledge, cultural property, and data within the intellectual property system.”

The analysis was developed by leading Maori lawyer and expert on trademarks and copyright in New Zealand and Australia, Lynell Tuffery Huria; and Paris-based Dr Penelope Gibson, who has a PhD in commercialising Intellectual Property. They were joined by a peer review panel of Jacqui Cane, Paul Morgan and Whaimutu Dewes.

Mr Insley says Te Taumata, its technical team and Māori peer review panel will extend Hon. Nanaia Mahuta the offer to walk her through this important piece of work.