This monograph is a compilation of four papers presented by Māori scientists at Turnbull House, Wellington, in November 2005. The papers were delivered as part of the Ngā Pae o Te Māramatanga Policy Seminar Series “Progressing Māori Development through Research”. Each of the scientists―namely James Ātaria, Elizabeth McKinley, Michael Walker and Shane Wright―has carried out pioneering work in her or his field and contributed to wider Māori enterprise and development.

The Traditional Knowledge Conference 2008 focused on traditional knowledge and gateways to balanced relationships. The conference title, Te Tatau Pounamu: The Greenstone Door, referred in a figurative sense to how, in times of trouble, peace could be secured and warfare ended through a political marriage and the exchange of greenstone. The peace thus established was often likened to a greenstone door as both were seen as being durable, strong and highly valuable.