Ethics

• Aroha Mead
• Hariata Pohatu
• Linda Smith
• Wally Penetito

Ethics is a vital consideration for any research undertaking, and underlies the entire research process. It can be defined as a code of practice that is based on moral principles. The Oxford Dictionary (1964) defines ethics as “The rules of conduct recognised in certain limited departments of human life”

All communities, institutions and people have a code of moral principle by which they live out their lives and form relationships. In research, ethics is important in ensuring you abide by these principles when entering into relationships and engaging with other people. Every research project needs to ensure that their approach and their methods are ‘ethical’ in that they abide with a broad set of principles that are in place to ensure the safety of the participants, the researcher, and the stakeholders involved in the research.

In broad terms, ethics and ethical research is based on respect and safety.

Different communities have different ethical standards and moral principles, it is therefore important that your ethical approach is accepting of your beliefs as the researcher; the institutional requirements prescribed by ethical comities, academic institutions, and funding bodies; as well as the cultural ethics prescribed by the communities within which you are conducting your research.

Research with Maori therefore, must take into consideration tikanga and kawa in addition to institutional ethical standards, and your own personal beliefs. Maori ethics are inherent in Kaupapa Maori methodology, as it is based on culturally appropriate engagement and research specifically targeted at Maori.

According to Cram, Pihama and Barabara (2002), “Operating in a Kaupapa Māori framework necessitates a research process that affirmed Kaupapa Māori ethics. These ethics are informed by tikanga Māori and demand that negotiation with participants be undertaken” (cit. in Hudson, 2005, p.57).

Not all methodologies are based on the same ethical code, it is therefore important that any researcher undertaking research with Maori consider the ethical and cultural implications of their methodology, methods and analysis.