Summarised by Centrist
University of Chicago professor emeritus Jerry Coyne criticises New Zealand’s GeoNet, an organisation funded by various governmental agencies, for integrating Mātauranga Māori (Māori knowledge) with scientific geological hazard assessments. He is particularly concerned about the inclusion of Mātauranga Māori in explanations of earthquakes.
“Science tells us that Rūaumoko rumbles the Alpine Fault about every 300 years, and the last time was in 1717,” explains GeoNet, but Coyne calls the mash up “a hot mess.”
Proponents believe that combining different knowledge systems enriches understanding and preparedness for natural disasters.
However, Coyne argues:
“Dragging in Māori religion not only doesn’t add anything to the prediction of earthquakes but is likely to confuse students who think that religious mythology is inherent in this prediction.”
While indigenous knowledge can offer valuable cultural insights and historical information, its spiritual symbolism should not be conflated with scientific explanations, he insists.
“It is a disservice—in fact, an insult—to geologists to add to their science the idea that gods are shaking the earth. It is an embarrassment to New Zealand’s government that they are more or less forced to mix indigenous myths with science to pretend that they can reinforce each other,” he writes.
Coyne suggests that pressure comes from treating the Māori as if they have a sacred quality, to try to satisfy GeoNet’s activists’ idea of the demands of the 1840 Treaty of Waitangi. But that treaty says nothing about indigenous ways of knowing being made coequal to modern science.
“Get the gods out of geology!” he exclaims.
