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He Whenua Kanorau, He Whenua Manawaroa: Diverse and resilient landscapes

Exploring the factors that enable and impede the establishment of resilient, diverse approaches to land use on whenua Māori

Te toto o te tangata, he kai; te oranga o te tangata, he whenua

While food provides the blood in our veins; our health is drawn from the land

Extreme weather events are predicted to increase in frequency and intensity across Aotearoa New Zealand, which could lead to major impacts to land and land uses across the country. The vulnerability of whenua Māori in such situations is caused not only by climate change, but also by socio-economic inequities that stem from colonisation.  

Resilient, diversified land management practices can enhance sociocultural, economic, and ecological resilience to climate change, and respond to intergenerational priorities. Whilst Te Ao Māori values align well with such an approach to land use, there are multiple challenges to enacting this in practice.

He Whenua Kanorau, He Whenua Manawaroa therefore aims to increase our understanding of these challenges, and to provide examples of how they can be navigated successfully. To this end, we are exploring individual and collective journeys towards establishing resilient, diverse approaches to land use on whenua Māori. Through examining how individuals and collectives are working to establish such land use change we are seeking to better understand the complexities, challenges, aspirations, and expected (or unexpected) benefits of diversifying whenua Māori.

Me uru kahikatea: Let us be like the kahikatea

In this interactive image, we use the illustration of a thriving kahikatea tree to portray the key social and cultural concepts and processes involved in diversifying whenua Māori. The image shows a kahikatea centred within a grove. Kahikatea are not only our tallest native trees but they also grow together with their roots interconnecting to provide stability and support for each other. Our image therefore speaks to the importance of standing together and being interconnected for strength and unity.

Key social and cultural concepts and processes are represented by kupu (words) that are nestled within different zones in and around the kahikatea. The soil includes concepts that are generally unseen but vital for (re)establishing the intimate relationship between whenua and tāngata whenua (te ao Māori, mātauranga Māori, tikanga, whakapapa, Papatūānuku). Similarly, the fertility of soil is necessary for seeds to germinate. The roots, which sustain plant life through nutrient and water transfer, include the unseen concepts and processes that are driven by social and cultural responsibilities (manaakitanga, kaitiakitanga, trusting relationships, kotahitanga, ahi kā, challenging regulation, disrupting systems). The trunk includes more visible social concepts and processes (weaving knowledges, secure resourcing, empowered tāngata, effective governance). Finally, the canopy includes visions for a thriving whenua (mana motuhake, flourishing mauri, thriving community, healing), encompassing both environmental and human wellbeing.

For whānau Māori, these concepts and processes may relate to your own journey with whānau and whenua. What are your first impressions? How do you think of, and view, these concepts in relation to your own whenua? Do you think being more aware of these concepts could help you and your whānau overcome any of the challenges associated with whenua Māori? We would love to hear from you about whether this image speaks to you, your whānau, and your whenua.

For tangata tiriti, these concepts and processes may relate to your own relationship with the land. Are they represented in dominant approaches to land use in Aotearoa? What needs to change for Māori to fulfil their aspirations, and how can tangata tiriti act as partners in this journey? Thinking about these questions can be uncomfortable, but we will all benefit if whenua Māori is able to transition to more diverse and resilient land uses.

Exploring the image

We encourage you to explore this interactive in any order that comes naturally. By hovering and clicking the cursor over each kupu, you will be provided with more information about its meaning. This includes quotes from participating pūkenga [whenua Māori practitioners and experts], which illustrate how the kupu relates to their own whenua journey. To see the location of all the interactive elements, click on the hand symbol in the top right-hand corner.

Artistic Symbolism

Koru:  Positioned in the canopy to signify growth and new beginnings.

Poutama:  Positioned in the sky to symbolise vision, aspiration, and moving upwards.

Tapa toru:  Repeated maunga shaped motifs in the soil to symbolise resilience and climbing toward a brighter future.

Whetū: The constellations Matariki and Mahutonga are featured. Matariki symbolising abundance and fertility, and Mahutonga serving as a guiding light toward our aspirations.

Kahikatea grove / silhouettes: Kahikatea grow in groves, their roots intertwined in mutual support. Their towering silhouettes also represent our tūpuna, ever-present, offering guidance and strength.

Living elements:  Birds and insects reflect the vitality of a healthy environment. Our native species are interconnected, each playing a role in sustaining the balance and wellbeing of our ecosystems.

Artist

Rā Haweti Jennings (Ngāti Awa, Te Whānau-ā-Apanui, Whakatōhea, Ngāi Te Rangi, Te Arawa)

Key contact