Nga Puni Whakapiri: Indigenous struggle and genetic engineering (New Zealand)

This thesis argues that the notion of struggle is culturally based. Struggle for Indigenous peoples centres around the protection of all things they hold precious.; Indigenous peoples are used to resisting colonial threats to the integrity of their knowledge and culture. Biotechnology is a contemporary site of struggle where Indigenous peoples have been resisting the onslaught of genetic engineering and manipulation and the theft and commodification of their knowledge. Maori, the Indigenous people of Aotearoa (New Zealand), view this site of struggle as a continuation of colonialism in the form of biocolonialism.; This thesis presents a case study examining the struggle of Maori against the biotechnology industry and genetic engineering. The foundational philosophy upon which this thesis has been based is Kaupapa Maori. Kaupapa Maori is a uniquely Indigenous theory and methodology with a central function of claiming and engaging in theory for Maori and by Maori.; As well as examining the political economy within which this struggle takes place, members of the Nga Puni Whakapiri movement (the term used to describe Maori groups gathered together to resist biotechnology and genetic engineering) are interviewed to examine their actions, strategies and philosophies that underpin their struggle. Central to this struggle is the notion of "tikanga"---correct and appropriate action that is based on a number of principles that those interviewed elaborate on. Maori have been very active in recent anti-GE activity; this thesis argues that this is a logical extension of the notion of kaitiakitanga or cultural guardianship and protection, sourced from the ancestors.; This work acknowledges that there is an Indigenous worldview that is valid and that has legitimacy in both public and private forums. When assessing research that has the potential to impact Maori communities and in decision-making affecting whanau (family), hapu (sub-tribe), and iwi (tribe), the tikanga Maori worldview is central.; Developing from this work is an emerging theory of Maori struggle. The Nga Puni Whakapiri movement is a case study of a uniquely Indigenous form of struggle. Struggle is centred on the protection of knowledge and culture, tikanga Maori knowledge.