PAPER: Novel wasp eradication biotechnologies

Novel biotechnologies for eradicating wasps: seeking Māori studies students’ perspectives with Q method

February 2019

Mercier OR, King Hunt A, Lester P 2019. Novel biotechnologies for eradicating wasps: seeking Māori studies students’ perspectives with Q method. Kōtuitui: New Zealand Journal of Social Sciences Online 14(1): 136–156.

ABSTRACT

Aligned with the New Zealand government’s ‘Predator-Free 2050’ target for Aotearoa New Zealand, National Science Challenge: Our biological Heritage supports research into five distinct ‘novel biotechnological controls’ of exotic wasps. A framing question within this project is which controls are considered ‘socially acceptable’ and thus suitable for further development to control and potentially eradicate introduced wasps? How can the public answer this question without first engaging with complex technologies? Can they develop and express an informed view that still reflects their ‘gut’ reactions and unique positions? To model and explore the views of an ‘informed public’, university students in Māori studies engaged in reflection, writing and mapping activities; choice and ranking exercises; Q Method; and focus group interviews. Amongst the interviewees, Q Method analysis distinguished three ‘factors’, describing unique viewpoints: those who see the potential of biotechnologies, those who are in doubt about them and those in a position of trust in scientists. Overall, the group see potential in new biotechnologies for wasps but are wary of political, economic and social decision-making mechanisms.

This paper also relates to the following Masters thesis:

King Hunt, A. (2023). Novel biotechnological controls for social wasp eradication: Exploring religious and spiritual Māori perceptions using a Q-Method and kaupapa Māori methodology. Open Access Te Herenga Waka-Victoria University of Wellington.

KEYWORDS

Māori perceptions of biotechnology; pest control; wasps; Kaupapa Māori; Māori-centred; Q method