Valuing indigenous knowledge
Indigenous knowledge systems have developed and implemented extensive
mitigation and
adaptation strategies. This has enabled indigenous peoples to reduce their vulnerability to past climate variability and change, which exceed those predicted by models of future
climate change.
However, this knowledge is rarely taken into consideration in the design and implementation of modern mitigation and adaptation strategies.
Te Tāruke-ā-Tāwhiri: Auckland’s Climate Plan acknowledges
mana whenua as the first peoples of Tāmaki Makaurau, and an intimate part of the ecological and cultural fabric of the region.
Te Ao Māori well-being framework
In response to the plan and to sustainability challenges, mana whenua have developed a
Te Ao Māori well-being framework in parallel to the plan called
Te Ora ō Tāmaki Makaurau Wellbeing Framework.
This wisdom and knowledge have enabled
mana whenua to remain resilient for over 1000 years of living in Tāmaki Makaurau, despite the intergenerational impacts of colonisation, westernisation, and urbanisation over the last 200 years.
Te Ao Māori calls for the protection and preservation of whole living systems, and for maintenance, sustainability and regeneration of the whakapapa relationships that enable the well-being of these systems.
With a changing climate, the legacy of our ancestors that we leave for future generations lies in the balance.
Mana Whenua Kaitiaki Forum
To guide Auckland’s approach to climate action, mana whenua, through the
Mana Whenua Kaitiaki Forum has partnered with the council to provide a Te Ao Māori perspective throughout the development of the plan.
Early in the process, this forum set up a climate change working group to work with council representatives and subject matter experts on their response to climate change.
Principles of
Te Tiriti o Waitangi, particularly the principles of partnership and active protection, underpinned the development of this plan. At the outset, the council sought a positive partnership with Auckland’s mana whenua to respond to the threat of climate change.
Te ora ō Tāmaki Makaurau incorporates kaupapa Māori and mātauranga-ā-iwi. This lens is reflected in the development of climate actions within Te Tāruke-ā-Tāwhiri.
Find out about the Mana whenua and council partnership for climate change.
A response to Te Tāruke-ā-Tāwhiri
Te Tāruke-ā-Tāwhiri, a narrative of climate change, speaks to the struggles of
Atua as a result of human behaviour which is out of balance with the world around us.
Climate change is a threat to whakapapa connections of nature, people and place.
Leading the response
The Mana Whenua Kaitiaki Forum has taken the lead role in anchoring and guiding a Māori response to climate change within
Tāmaki Makaurau and working closely with Māori community organisations.
The approach has been underpinned by the following principles:
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Whakapapa centred approach to understanding and responding to climate change (Te Tāruke-ā-Tāwhiri)
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Mātauranga Māori forming the foundation to restoring balance with our tupuna Atua
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Mana whenua-led conversation, focused on a practical expression of our obligations of
kaitiakitanga of Tāmaki Makaurau and the
manaakitanga of its people and, in particular, our Māori communities
- Whakamana Te Tiriti – Working in partnership with the
Kaunihera (and the
Karauna)
- Recognising our wider whakapapa relationships with Māori communities, Tāmaki Makaurau, as well as, across
Te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa and the plight of our
tangata pasifika whanaunga.
