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

Tips for best practice consultation

Best practice consultation can be summarised:

1. Make sure you allow enough time for iwi/Māori to respond i.e. consulting at the earliest possible stage in the development of the research programme;
2. If you don’t have experience in consulting with Māori, you must enlist the assistance of a facilitator or Māori Intermediary.
3. Take the time to learn and understanding Māori world views, practices and values as they relate to specific issues important in your proposal (i.e consider what the risks might be)
4. Present a case where you have considered avenues for Māori to be involved in the research, or think about how benefits for Māori might transpire.
5. Provide easily understood information about your research proposal; provide mechanisms for suggested feedback (written or face-to-face meetings)
6. Meet, acknowledge and welcome each other in an atmosphere of mutual respect. Provide an opportunity for informal interaction between the parties (like sharing a meal) so there is a chance to for people to connect on different levels (eg shared interests and hobbies, community groups, parenting activities etc).
7. Arrange that someone (with Tangata whenua mandate) be available to structure and independently facilitate the discussions and set up the expectations for the event.
8. Provide a safe place for interaction and dialogue around the issue and encourage conversation at a level that engages everyone equally (so participants don’t talk ‘past’ each other).
9. Discuss, where issues are raised by those consulted, ways of minimising, mitigating or remedying any potential adverse effects and enhancing any potential beneficial effects.
10. With the facilitator’s help, develop shared understanding as well as articulating differences, so that everyone feels there has been a sense of purpose to the dialogue.
11. Show that you have given genuine consideration to the information provided by those being consulted with by incorporating their suggestions into revised versions of the proposal.
12. Make plans that demonstrate how you will maintain the relationship throughout the research project.
    

In addition, the broad principles established by the courts in relation to consultation should be kept in mind. These are 'acting reasonably', in 'good faith', and ‘actively protecting Māori interests’.