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He Pou Tokomanawa- Kaitiakitanga in practice
Te Ātiawa's report on kaitiakitanga in Te Tai o Aorere and Mohua emphasises the need for active mana whenua involvement in ecosystem-based management, reflecting strong connections with the moana and a desire to sustain cultural practices and environmental well-being.
Establishing the context
The 'He Pou Tokomanawa – Kaitiakitanga in Practice' report revealed Te Ātiawa's intergenerational relationship with Te Tai o Aorere and Mohua, defining kaitiakitanga far beyond stewardship – as a duty inherited to protect the environment for future generations. Pressure from commercial and recreational activities in the moana, alongside land-based impacts, has led to concerns over diminishing kai species and degraded habitats. Wānanga participants expressed the need to be actively involved in research and management to revitalise these spaces, uphold their roles as kaitiaki, and protect the mauri of the moana. There's a call for ecological management that truly embodies the connectedness of all life, aligning with Te Ātiawa’s view of kaitiakitanga.
Evaluating influences and aspirations
Te Ātiawa's aspirations were voiced in discussions focusing on environmental changes due to external influences like pollution and intensive land-based activities. Internal challenges, such as the risk of intergenerational knowledge loss, were also highlighted. Effective engagement between mana whenua and governance was stated as a key to empowering kaitiaki decisions. The rising concern for youth education and succession planning reflects the desire to foster strong ongoing relationships with the moana. Participants vision for the future involved mana whenua, embodying both kaitiaki and commercial roles, advocating for meaningful engagement in decision-making to safeguard the moana's well-being.
Reflecting on future directions
Integrated within the report is the desire for Te Ātiawa to navigate their dual roles as custodians and economic actors, without compromising their cultural values. Suggested strategies included enhancing educational programmes, promoting unity across iwi of Te Tau Ihu, and further integrating mātauranga Māori and policy. Challenges to kaitiakitanga, such as non-collaborative decision-making processes and the need for stronger mihi to support kaitiaki authorities, were discussed. The report calls for a redefined partnership under Te Tiriti o Waitangi that respects and facilitates Te Ātiawa’s custodianship while aligning with modern conservation efforts.
Key insights
Te Ātiawa's intrinsic connection to kaitiakitanga calls for empowerment in decision-making to protect the moana for future generations.
Understanding kaitiakitanga as a guardianship role inherited over generations, Te Ātiawa demand real decision-making power, emphasising the need for genuine engagement by local and central government agencies in accordance with Te Tiriti o Waitangi. This fundamental shift would recognise and enable the full exercise of their kaitiaki responsibilities to sustainably manage marine resources and environmental health.
Commercial and recreational pressures on the marine environment are at odds with traditional practices of mana whenua.
The report documents extensive stress to marine ecology due to commercial activities such as fishing and tourism, compounded by recreational overfishing. Mana whenua of Te Ātiawa witness the depletion and pollution of their traditional kai gathering areas, challenging their ability to practise kaitiakitanga and maintain intergenerational knowledge and rituals linked to the health of the moana.
Educational enhancement and inter-iwi collaboration are pivotal for the progression of kaitiakitanga.
There is an evolving understanding that for Te Ātiawa to adequately protect and revitalise marine ecosystems, education and collaborative efforts across Te Tau Ihu iwi are needed. By fostering stronger marine relationships through education and inter-iwi wānanga, as well as integrating cultural perspectives within legal and policy frameworks, mana whenua can more effectively fulfil their role as guardians and advocates for the moana.
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© Copyright 2024 - Tohorā
© Copyright 2024 - Tohorā
Knowledge guiding change.
