The country's Maori Research Centre of Excellence has lost its bid for future government funding, with the centre saying the loss could jeopardise developments in changing Maori society for the better.
The Royal Society of New Zealand did not short-list Nga Pae o Te Maramatanga's bid for the Tertiary Education Commission funding after next year.
The centre was seeking funding for a five year period and it's not yet known why Nga Pae o Te Maramatanga missed out.
But the news has left the Maori Party shocked and wanting to raise the matter with Tertiary Education Minister Steven Joyce.
Tamaki Makaurau MP Pita Sharples says the decision not to renew funding is a slap in the face for Maori research and researchers.
He says it's a clear sign that government agencies are marginalising Maori development and communities.
Dr Sharples says he wants to ask Tertiary Education Minister Steven Joyce how he intends to support Maori research development now and in to the future.
Nga Pae o Te Maramatanga director Professor Charles Royal says he's saddened tangata whenua will lose out because it did not receive further funding.
He says the decision endangers work being done by researchers on issues, needs or opportunities for tangata whenua, researh he says helps communities make positive change both at a regional and national level.
