Uncovering Knowledge in all its Forms
There are multiple ways of understanding our landscape. Scroll down to uncover how western science and mātauranga Māori is used.
Uncovering Knowledge
What is knowledge for? We explore our world to help us understand how and why things work the way they do. This helps us learn how to live better in our taiao and prepare for our future.
There are many ways to explore our world and uncover knowledge – one way is science.
Scroll down to learn more ↓
Different definitions
There are many different definitions of science, and these definitions are constantly debated.
Science, using the widest definition, is the study of the world. It can be considered any knowledge that evolves through processes of observation and experimentation over time.
Just like there are many different definitions of science there are many different types too.
Scroll down to uncover two ways science knowledge has evolved in New Zealand ↓
Mātauranga Māori
Mātauranga Māori was the first form of knowledge in New Zealand.
Like all knowledge, it has developed over generations, built by observation and experimentation and learning from the past, through generations of lived experiences.
Mātauranga Māori recognizes the interconnectedness of all things and emphasizes the importance of relationships between people and the environment.
In this video Dr Huirangi Waikerepuru shares mātauranga Māori of our taiao.
He shares how Rūaumoko creates land, volcanoes and earthquakes.
He reminds us of the importance of balance within our world.
Watch the video here →
Source: GNS Science
Western Science
Western Science was the second form of knowledge in New Zealand.
It is based on observation, experimentation, following the scientific method.
Western science break things down into pieces to then build an understanding of the whole.
In this video Dr Kelvin Berryman shares western science on our environment.
He shares how our environment is shaped by tectonic plates and why we have earthquakes.
Watch the video here →
Source: GNS Science
Weaving knowledge together
Both these videos show different forms of knowledge. Both forms are knowledge are equally valuable.
When we weave together this knowledge, it can help us understand even more about our taiao.
Scroll down to learn how they can be weaved together ↓
Interweaving
Both western science and mātauranga Māori offer unique insights to understanding people and the environment. By combining western Science and mātauranga Māori knowledge, we can gain a more comprehensive understanding of the world around us.
"If you want to understand your tsunami hazard, you really need to understand your tsunami history." - Dr. Darren King
Keep scrolling to find out how these two forms of knowledge have been woven together to learn about tsunami ↓
Ngāti Koata and Ngāti Kuia pūrākau from Te Tauihu o te Waka a Māui tell stories of tsunami on Rangitoto ke te Tonga / D’Urville Island.
These pūrākau share knowledge of past tsunami impacts on Rangitoto which occurred before western science records began.
Ngāti Koata and Ngāti Kuia pūrākau provide strong collective evidence for past tsunami inundation on Rangitoto and coastal areas nearby.
Tsunami that occurred in the past sometimes leave their own evidence behind which, when preserved like these shell fossils, can be used to identify past events.
Source: GNS Science
Scientists can look for evidence like these submarine sediment deposits from along our coast lines to determined when a tsunami last occurred.
Source: NIWA
At Rangitoto, scientists found evidence of tsunami and believe the deposits were most likely caused by a tsunami generated by the 1855 Wairarapa earthquake.
Source: NIWA
Watch the video to hear how together mātauranga Māori and western science improve our knowledge of tsunami risk.
Source: NIWA
Te Hīkoi a Rūaumoko
Mātauranga Māori and western science both help us learn how to live better in our taiao and prepare for our future. For example, Te Hīkoi a Rūaumoko is a story us story that uses mātauranga Māori to teach us about natural warning signs of tsunami.
Rūaumoko's Walk
What have you learnt today? Share this with a friend.
Knowledge and science become valuable when it is shared, because then it increases exponentially.
Test your knowledge!
Now that you've uncovered different types of knowledge, test how much you know in our quiz and find out if you are a knowledge expert!
Interact Quiz
For more information on how you can prepare you can visit: www.eqc.govt.nz or www.getready.govt.nz
