Introduction to consultation

Benefits to consultation processes

Tips for best practice consultation

How a facilitator can help with consultation

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

DETAILS OF CONSULTATION PHASE

Best Practice Consultation

How a facilitator can help with consultation

The role of a facilitator or Māori Intermediary (MI) during the consultation process will be very beneficial.

A skilled facilitator will:

• enhance the dynamic or the spirit of the engagement by building rapport and trust.
• help explain the meaning behind the words, gestures and order of events if a welcoming ceremony is required, so the scientist(s) knows what is expected.
• highlight and continuously stress common values and goals such as for example community development, maintaining environment integrity and human dignity.
• facilitate the discussion, subject to mandate from tangata whenua.
• ensure a clear depiction of the research proposal is given and any potential risks, costs and benefits are well canvassed and understood.
• communicate the expectations and needs of parties after meeting separately with each to determine issues and brain storm what potential alternatives and compromises might be made to reach a conclusion.

The use of an MI that is familiar to or from the local iwi has its pros and cons. The familiarity the local Iwi have with one of their own can make it easier to get good dialogue and engagement (but this very much depends on the status and reputation of the MI).

However, invariably the MI who is from the iwi stakeholder may have his/her own political alliances and biases and sometimes these inter tribal tensions can hijack the process and stifle progress. Such dynamics are varied and complex and impossible to fully explain and this is why a skilled and experienced MI will prove invaluable.