Incorporating mātauranga Māori into environmental policy adds value to New Zealand’s resource management system. We are committed to reflecting the Crown-Māori relationship under the Treaty in environmental policy and resource management arrangements.
The Wai262 claim explains mātauranga as "the unique Māori way of viewing the world", encompassing both traditional knowledge and culture. Mātauranga is considered a taonga .
Other taonga include:
Some common customary Māori values include:
These are all deeply linked to Māori wellbeing and sense of identity. The values are upheld through customary practices.
Some common customary practices with te taiao include:
Having a healthy environment is integral to a thriving people.
Mātauranga Māori and western science each have their own roles to play within our work. Likened to a braided river with many pathways. When they cross we have the opportunity to explore the knowledge systems together.
We apply what we know and learn to:
Hutia te rito o te harakeke.
Kei hea te kōmako, e kō?
Kī mai ki ahau
He aha te mea nui o te ao?
Māku e kī atu
He tangata, he tangata, he tangata.
When the centre of the flax bush is picked
Where will the bellbird sing?
You ask me what is the greatest thing in the world?
My reply is
It is people, it is people, it is people
Hutia te Rito is the concept that underpins the National Policy Statement for Indigenous Biodiversity.
It recognises:
To apply this policy decision makers are asked to recognise:
Hutia te Rito also reflects Te Tiriti o Waitangi by providing greater involvement for Māori.
Te Mana o te Wai was developed as an update to the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management.
Te Mana o te Wai (the mana of water) is the integrated and holistic well-being of the water.