What does your job involve?
My role is to identify where the commercialisation of University research overlaps with M�ori values or interests and improve UniServices’ ability to respond to these links.
My job title, Poutaki Hononga, means ‘relationship facilitator’ and I work to build and strengthen relationships within the M�ori commercialisation process at UniServices.
For example, we might have a particular piece of technology that has some affinity to M�ori, whether that be M�ori team members, a social goal to benefit M�ori or M�ori investment. My role is to identify these connections and build team capability to consider them appropriately.
I am currently building questions into our idea disclosure ‘triage’ process that ask researchers to consider a Te Ao M�ori perspective, particularly how the commercialisation of their idea might affect M�ori people.
Network building, to future-proof this approach, is also an important part of my role. Developing a bank of capable stakeholders will ensure there is more than one person to turn to for advice about M�ori commercialisation.