Verrall said the ministry was seeing more opportunities where mātauranga Māori experts were able to contribute distinct thinking on issues such as climate change, among other issues that were lacking in a perspective from within te ao Māori.
"Māori researchers at the beginning of their careers in research institutes are often under pressure to work two roles - their research role and additionally, a frequently unpaid role to provide cultural leadership," she said.
With few Māori research mentors to guide them through these unique and added pressures, Māori researchers could experience burnout and leave the research workforce, she said.
Verrall hoped employment outcomes of Māori within the workforce would be enhanced through this initiative.
It will be designed and delivered by New Zealand's Māori Centre of Research Excellence, Ngā Pae o te Māramatanga at the University of Auckland.
Verrall said the programme was another way for the Government to strengthen the beneficial perspective that Māori brings to the table through knowledge, culture, and values.
"These researchers already have strong networks throughout the country, but it's about strengthening those, and making sure when new Māori researchers come through, they are both well connected within their discipline, but also within their rohe."
They were an important part of the five-year-long programme, and to the science workforce as a whole, because the science produced must be responsive to the communities it concerns, as well as the end users, she said.
"We will get better solutions out of our scientists if they have better connections to their communities."
- RNZ
