The Waiwhatu pilot project, supported by the Geothermal: the Next Generation programme, was born out of difficulties experienced when trying to source meaningful relevant words in Te Reo Māori (the Māori language) to define scientific terms used in geothermal research and development. Read more about the project here - listen to and learn the new words.

In the Waiwhatu project, scientists explained useful technical concepts relevant to geothermal and then the team interpreted these through a Māori lens into a shared language, bringing Mātauranga Māori (indigenous knowledge) and western science into one space. The team included: Uenuku Fairhall (Ngāti Rangiwewehi, Waitaha), Aroha Campbell (Ngāti Tahu), Corey Ruha (Te Arawa, Tainui, Mātaatua), Paul Siratovich, and Andy Blair.

This project has been extended and continues under the leadership of the Māori Strategy team at GNS Science, under a new name: Waiwhatu-Arawhata. Arawhata means “bridge”. Their goal is to use and refine the Waiwhatu methodology in a workflow that sees development of more shared language.

Through the GNS Science team’s efforts, in June 2024, the Waiwhatukupu was officially accepted in Te Aka (Māori Dictionary) through a submission to Te Taura Whiri I Te Reo Māori (the Māori Language Commission). Kupu hou | new word glossary.

This achievement showcases the strength of the methodology used for developing shared language, and demonstrates a pathway for wider dissemination of future kupu that are created.

The ability to apply an indigenous knowledge lens to Western scientific thinking increases the robustness of scientific ideas, concepts and understanding. Developing shared language is an opportunity to build relationships, seek personal growth, to share understanding, and for innovation.

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