Traditional Knowledge Conference 2008

The Traditional Knowledge Conference 2008, 8th – 11th June inclusive, at The University of Auckland’s Business School, was well received and a great success. A total of 285 delegates from a number of countries attended. Check out the conference feedback and evaluation here.

The organisers, Ngā Pae o te Māramatanga, would like to thank all speakers, presenters and delegates that contributed to the success of the Traditional Knowledge Conference 2008.

The next Traditional Knowledge Conference will be in Auckland, New Zealand, July 2010. We look forward to seeing you again!

A conference outcome report and DVD highlights are being produced; this is expected to be completed in July. In addition, the conference proceedings are being prepared. Publication of the proceedings will take time, but expected to be available October 2008. Papers are now being received by Dr Susan Healy (s.healy@auckland.ac.nz).

Please continue to visit this website for the further updates on conference outcomes, highlights and proceedings status (publication date).

Conference Theme

Following on from our previous Conferences in 2004 and 2006, the Traditional Knowledge Conference 2008, focused on traditional indigenous concepts, values, ideals, models and strategies for sustaining balanced and healthy relationships within and across families, communities, nations, nation-states, local, regional and global borders, territories and environments.

The Conference provided opportunities to discuss indigenous strategies for sustaining relationships between collectives and over generations, for resolving conflict, for peace-making, reconciliation and restorative justice. There were also opportunities to share what has been learned from diverse contexts around the world about how indigenous models, values, concepts and processes have been incorporated into state or government initiatives and with what impact for indigenous peoples.

Conference activities

Twelve invited speakers, both international and national, provided excellent talks on the above theme.
In addition, close to 60 presenters shared valuable knowledge and insight on ‘peace and reconciliation’ within broad themes ranging from Education and Language to Science and Environment in parallel speaking sessions.

The conference also included community workshops held on the Waipapa Marae enabling delegates to be brought together in dialogue with a wide range of participants, perspectives, voices, frameworks and models for understanding indigenous frameworks.

The conference included social and culture events; Powhiri (traditional Maori welcome) on Sunday followed by traditional Maori meal (hangi). This was a fitting and excellent start to the conference with cultural performances and an opportunity to engage and prepare for the following 3 days.

Be sure to check out the Conference Photos, including the Conference Dinner, by clicking here.

The Host Organisation

Ngā Pae o te Māramatanga, the National Institute of Research Excellence for Māori Development and Advancement is the host organisation. Our vision is the transformation of New Zealand society such that Māori participate fully in all aspects of society and the economy. Our mission is to provide excellent research, capability building and knowledge exchange to support achievement of the vision.

Conference Committee

The 2008 Conference Committee comprised Professor Linda Tuhiwai Smith, Professor Michael Walker, Dr Tracey McIntosh, Dr Joseph Te Rito and elder Pauline Tangiora (JP).

The Conference Patron is Sir Paul Reeves.