The science policy framework Vision Mātauranga (VM) was launched in 2005 by the former Ministry of Research Science and Technology (MoRST) with the aim of unlocking the science and innovation potential of Māori knowledge, resources and people through “distinctive R&D” (MoRST, 2007, p. 4). Plenty of literature theorises why mātauranga Māori is necessary for innovation, but the how, or practice, of implementing VM in a meaningful way is unresolved and under-researched. In this article, we look to practice theory to identify constituent and interdependent elements that are required to form, change or embed the VM policy practice aim of distinctive R&D activities.