How - A Step-by-Step Guide to the Te Arotūriki Process - CONTINUED

DETAILS OF CONSULTATION PHASE

Developing a Consultation Plan

Consulting or engaging with Māori about your research proposal means that you have not fully decided upon your proposal, and that you are prepared to listen to what Māori have to say. It also means that you take the time to consider their responses carefully and then be prepared to take their views into account, when you revise the proposal. Genuine consultation about your proposal can be very rewarding because Māori will view your proposal and shed light on any future opportunities or risks from an entirely different angle.

This is written from the point-of-view that scientists need to consult with Māori about a research proposal, but it could be equally valid for discussions and relationship building with Māori about any kind of proposal.

We recommend that you develop a “consultation plan” – a written document that clarifies
(a) WHO you are going to consult with and who will be involved?
(b) WHAT is the key topic for discussion?
(c) HOW you are going to consult? and
(c) WHAT sort of follow up will you undertake?

Having such a plan will also outline the likely length of time that the consultation will take. This is important because a rushed consultation leads to feelings of suspicion, lack of ease and perhaps a lack of commitment for geninuine dialogue. A plan also sets up the expectations for each party and can be a useful reference point throughout the dialogue process. We suggest that as you discuss and decide each key question, that you record the answers in the Consultation Plan Template found here.

In Step 1, of the Proposal stage, you already identified if you need to consult with Māori, and by now proceeded through to preparing and modifying your research proposal.

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