The short video was created by the Institute of Environmental Science and Research (ESR) and the University of Otago, in partnership with Maui Studios Aotearoa, using funding provided under the Covid-19 Innovation Acceleration Fund.
ESR genomics lead Joep de Ligt said the pandemic had pushed genomic sequencing firmly into the public domain.
"The animation was designed to be relevant for school-age students in particular, with the aim of incorporating Te Ao Maori views and concepts alongside the science."
University of Otago virologist Dr Jemma Geoghegan said the animation was able to engage young people in learning about genomic sequencing without the use of a standard textbook.
In the video, Koro (an elderly Maori scientist), Tui (a wise friend of Koro) and Piki (a robotic assistant), share information with Koro’s granddaughter Ruia — a young Maori girl intrigued by science and technology, but tired of all the talk about Covid-19.
"Many young people are really interested in science and want to understand complex issues like the Covid-19 virus," Dr Geoghegan said.
"The animation was a genuine collaboration between scientists, animators and tamariki [children]."
"Unpacking important science-based activities in a manner more relatable to Maori communities is extremely important, not only for improving understanding, but also to encourage tauira [pupils] and pakeke [seniors] to think about how gene technologies might be used to benefit our people.
"These resources also support Maori-specific education initiatives regarding genetics and gene technologies, such as the Summer Internship of Indigenous Peoples in Genomics Aotearoa and the University of Otago’s Science Wananga genetics modules.
"Increasingly, Maori are engaging with gene technology-based research and application in both health and primary sectors, so such a resource serves to support that trend."
