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. To do this, we examine Māori discourses in published literature over the past 10 years. We then analyse key themes from the literature using Shove et al.’s (2012) three-element model of materials, competences and meanings to show the practice of VM requires improved integrative work reliant on the “carrying” of interdepend ent elements between different practices that either enable or constrain VM policy. We suggest that practice theory provides a tool to establish VM as normal practice and shape the trajectory of VM practice necessary to meet the scale of science, innovation and technology in Aotearoa New Zealand.