Since the traditional waka (canoes) came to rest on New Zealand shores Māori have been collecting knowledge (Mātauranga) and understanding of the natural world. In developing New Science for a Changing World, it is essential that we are able to also acknowledge the “old science for the changing world”
New Zealand resource management is driven largely through the various legislative documents detailing our responsibilities. One key responsibility in New Zealand resource management is the inclusion of indigenous values. This provides the landscape that is enabling the exploration of the interface between mātauranga māori and “western science”.
The relationship between regional authorities and mana whenua (local māori who have authority over the land) is changing and the move towards a true partnership space where mana whenua can successfully engage in operational kaitiakitanga (environmental stewardship) and contribute to the decision making process! There is an increasing need to reassess the basis of the traditional relationships and explore new ways work towards shared objectives and mutual benefits.
Greater Wellington Regional council (lower North Island) has been developing a process to encourage and enable cultural/Kaitiaki monitoring that will address capacity and capability questions as well as moving to a true mutual benefit model. Although this process is on-going there is already a lot of valuable learning to help the wider cultural monitoring conversation across New Zealand.