This article describes the model and considers the policy and practice implications for biobanks seeking to address Māori ethical concerns. Although the model has focused on Māori aspirations in the New Zealand context, it provides a framework for considering cultural values in relation to other community or indigenous contexts.Genet Med 19 3, 345-351.

Te Mata Ira was a three-year research project (2012)(2013)(2014)(2015) that explored Mäori views on genomic research and biobanking for the development of culturally appropriate guidelines. A key component of this process has been to identify Mäori concepts that provide cultural reference points for engaging with biobanking and genomic research. These cultural cues provide the basis for describing the cultural logic that underpins engagement in this context in a culturally acceptable manner. This paper outlines the role of two wänanga (workshops) conducted as part of the larger project that were used to make sense of the Mäori concepts that emerged from other data-collection activities. The wänanga involved six experts who worked with the research team to make sense of the Mäori concepts. The wänanga process created the logic behind the cultural foundation for biobanking and genomic research, providing a basis for understanding Mäori concepts, Mäori ethical principles and their application to biobanking and genomic research.

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Use of tikanga Māori, in this case, whakatauakī, was helpful in developing future planning for He Kakano. This suggests that use of tikanga may be beneficial in other settings where planning for sustainable Māori responsive services is undertaken. Further work in this area is likely to benefit service development, strategic planning, workforce development and have an impact on improving health outcomes for Māori.

No abstract