Weaving Te Ao Maori into climate action

The profound kinship between man and the environment is intrinsically intertwined because of their interdependence with one another.

This perspective is illustrated in a pūrakau (story) that tells of a chief who fed and nurtured a guardian taniwha (water spirit), that ensured the prosperity and safety of a village for generations. When the chief left the village, he entrusted the care of the taniwha to his sons. His sons, however, were lazy and neglected to care for the creature. As time passed, the starved taniwha grew restless and furious. Rising from the water, the taniwha ventured onto the land and devoured the chief’s sons.

In relevance to today, the taniwha represents the delicate balance of our environment, our natural world. If cared for, it protects and sustains us. If neglected, the effects are grim and often devastating. 

Just as the story emphasises the importance of tending to the taniwha, it highlights our responsibility to be guardians of our environment, to address and mitigate the effects of climate change and secure a sustainable future.

To further emphasis our roles as guardians, let us see how the Māori concepts of whakapapa, kaitiakitanga and rangatiratanga can inform and inspire our climate action efforts.

Whakapapa (genealogy /lineage) serves as the bedrock or foundation of how the Māori understand the world and their place in it. It expresses their connection to deity, land, waterways and mountains. Māori view themselves as part of the natural world, thus, holding a sacred responsibility to care for these connections.

The result of these connections informs the role of kaitiakitanga; stewardship and guardianship for the environment with a holistic approach to its  protection. Against the backdrop of climate change, kaitiakitanga can be demonstrated in the following practices:

• Encouraging resource conservation, waste reduction, biodiversity protection and renewable energy use.
• Fostering collaboration and partnership among different stakeholders such as iwi (tribes), hapū (sub-tribes), whānau (families), government agencies, NGOs and businesses.
• Promoting sustainable practices in resource management, including fishing, forestry, and agriculture.  It emphasises the need to balance human needs with the preservation of natural resources.
• Promoting the idea of adapting to changing environmental conditions, such as those caused by climate change. It emphasises resilience-building strategies within ecosystems and communities.

By understanding this connection and role, the concept of rangatiratanga; self-determination, autonomy, and sovereignty informs the responsibility Māori have to govern themselves and their communities based on their values and traditions.

Relating it to climate action in New Zealand, rangatiratanga advocates for the preservation of cultural values, mātauranga (knowledge) and traditional practices by mitigating climate change impacts. It also promotes community involvement and empowerment by allowing all voices to be heard.

Underpinning all these perspectives of connection, role and responsibility are the key principles of mātauranga (knowledge), wairuatanga (spirituality), whanaungatanga (relationships), manaakitanga (hospitality and respect) and kotahitanga (unity).

These principles are weaved into the Māori worldview of whakapapa, kaitiakitanga and rangatiratanga to guide us in preserving and protecting the environment for the welfare of current and future generations. 

As we face the challenges and opportunities of climate change, we can learn from Te Ao Māori, the Indigenous worldview of the Māori people in Aotearoa New Zealand, which offers a holistic and sustainable approach to environmental protection. 

By understanding the concepts of whakapapa, kaitiakitanga and rangatiratanga, we can foster a deeper connection with the natural world, a greater sense of responsibility for its well-being, and a stronger sense of self-determination and community empowerment. 

How can we incorporate these principles into our own lives and actions? How can we become better guardians of our environment and secure a prosperous future for ourselves and generations to come?