A place for Ma¯ ori

Re Bob Brockie’s The Treaty has no place in scientific endeavour (March 26), Royal Society Te Apa¯ rangi confirms its commitment to a more inclusive view of knowledge.

We began this journey last year as we celebrated 150 years since we were founded ‘‘to promote the general study and cultivation of art, science, literature and philosophy’’.

We entered into a partnership with Nga¯ Pae o te Ma¯ ramatanga so that over time we can connect more with Ma¯ ori researchers and Ma¯ ori communities. We are consulting on a revised Code of Professional Standards and Ethics that our members are bound to follow.

The revised code embraces the existence of multiple knowledge systems, and sets out researchers’ responsibilities under Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and to affected communities more generally.

I hope to see this broader approach adopted as the norm of good research practice in Aotearoa New Zealand.

RICHARD BEDFORD President, Royal Society Te Apa¯rangi