Te Ara Tika

Te Ara Tika is a framework for researchers and ethics committee members developed by Pūtaiora (Māori members of ethics committees) and the National Ethics Advisory Committee(NEAC). Other organisations are also taking up this framework, and we recommend it to faculty researchers.

For more information visit National Ethics Advisory Committee (NEAC)

All research carried out within the faculty should meet required ethical standards including those for responsiveness to Māori.

Within the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences there is a spectrum of research with differing levels of engagement with, and relevance to Māori.

Te Ara Tika identifies progressive expectations of ethical research behaviour from minimum standards to good practice and provides useful guidance based on the following principles:

  • Whakapapa (genesis and purpose of your research)
  • Tika (validity of the research proposal)
  • Manaakitanga (cultural and social responsibility)
  • Mana (equity, justice and rights)

We strongly suggest you read the Te Ara Tika Guidelines for Maori Research Ethics.

Te Ara Tika proposes five steps in the process of ethical review:

  • Kia tupato (be careful; consider the value of your research)
  • Kia āta whakaaro (precise analysis)
  • Kia āta kōrero (robust discussion)
  • Kia āta whiriwhiri (determine the appropriate conditions)
  • Kia āta haere (proceed with understanding)