MOU strengthens relationship between Wakatū Incorporation and Cawthron Institute
25 November 2020
A memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed this week between Wakatū Incorporation and Cawthron Institute will further strengthen an already positive relationship, the Chairs of both organisations say.
Cawthron Institute is New Zealand’s largest independent science organisation focused on growing and ensuring the safety of our seafood sector, developing marine bioactive resources, and improving the health of our freshwater ecosystems and oceans. Wakatū Incorporation is a hapū-owned organisation, with interests ranging from property, aquaculture and horticulture. Both organisations are based in Nelson.
‘Science, research and technology are vital across all aspects of our work, whether it involves climate change mitigation or researching innovative consumer health solutions,’ says Paul Morgan, Wakatū Incorporation Chair. ‘What is also important to us is that we work with partners who understand, share and respect our values, including manaakitanga, auahatanga and kaitiakitanga. These are not abstract concepts for us, but reflect how we operate day to day, so it is powerful to have them recognised in the MOU.’
Meg Matthews, Chair of Cawthron board of directors says ‘We already have a long and positive history of mahi tahi between Wakatū and Cawthron, so we are excited to formalise the relationship. The MOU recognises that there is a great deal of benefit for us sharing knowledge and expertise when we are working on joint initiatives and research and scientific activities where our objectives and aims align. It is important to us to be an effective collaborator and provider of science-based solutions for realising Māori aspirations and potential, and we know from our previous work with Wakatū that there is a clear alignment in our values.’
‘We need to continue to find ways to work smart and sustainably, to recognise the value of mātauranga Māori and scientific research, and the power of working together for the benefit for those in our rohe and beyond,’ says Mr Morgan.
