Aligned with the New Zealand government's 'Predator-Free 2050' target for Aotearoa New Zealand, National Science Challenge: Our Biological Heritage supports research into five distinct 'novel biotechnological controls' of exotic wasps. A framing question within this project is which controls are considered 'socially acceptable' and thus suitable for further development to control and potentially eradicate introduced wasps? How can the public answer this question without first engaging with complex technologies? Can they develop and express an informed view that still reflects their 'gut' reactions and unique positions? To model and explore the views of an 'informed public', university students in Māori studies engaged in reflection, writing and mapping activities; choice and ranking exercises; Q Method; and focus group interviews. Amongst the interviewees, Q Method analysis distinguished three 'factors', describing unique viewpoints: those who see the potential of biotechnologies, those who are in doubt about them and those in a position of trust in scientists. Overall, the group see potential in new biotechnologies for wasps but are wary of political, economic and social decisionmaking mechanisms. ARTICLE HISTORY

No abstract

No abstract

<p>This thesis explores the perceptions religious and/or spiritual Māori have about five biotechnological controls proposed for the eradication of the Vespula germanica (German) and Vespula vulgaris (common) wasp-species in Aotearoa New Zealand. As part of the National Science Challenge - BioHeritage project, scientists are currently conducting research into the wasp biotechnological controls (WBC), which include: gene drives, RNA interference (RNAi), Trojan female, Trojan mite, and an artificial pheromone. The two primary objectives of this research are, firstly, using Likert scale ranking to determine which, if any, of the WBC religious/spiritual Māori would position as a feasible method of wasp control; and secondly, using Q-method to seek out the shared and divergent social, cultural, spiritual, and religious contextual views the participants have about WBC more generally. Research was conducted among 16 participants using a ‘quali-quantological’ mixed-methods approach, comprising a Māori-centred research practice using both Likert scale and Q Method ranking activities. Likert findings position the pheromone lure is the most favoured WBC and contrastingly, RNAi is the least favoured. Additionally, Q Method factor analysis distinguished three ‘factors’ - which describe the distinct views held by participant sub-groups - which are: 1) those who view the use of WBC as plausible, 2) those who see them as problematic, and 3) those who consider them implausible.</p>

No abstract