Integrating Indigenous knowledge for natural hazard resilience

Ko te pūtake Matua o te rangahau, Whakaora Taiao, Whakaora Whenua

Climate change presents profound challenges for Māori communities, threatening treasured wāhi tapu sites, cultural heritage, and intergenerational knowledge systems. Whakaora Taiao, Whakaora Whenua advances a Māori-led approach to natural hazards resilience by weaving together mātauranga Māori, Indigenous methodologies, and contemporary science.

Guided by kaitiakitanga, whakapapa, and whakawhanaungatanga, the project strengthens the adaptive capacity of whānau, hapū, iwi, marae, and communities while nurturing enduring partnerships, research capability, and innovative pathways for climate adaptation across Aotearoa New Zealand.

The objective of this research is about integrating Indigenous knowledge for Natural Hazard Resilience that will form the framework of the Post-Doctoral Fellowship of Rev Dr Hone Te Rire. This research focuses on the interrelationship between te reo, cultural identity, and scripture as a foundation for community resilience in the face of environmental risk.

Five key points focus on an indigenous, cultural view of Natural Hazards and Reo Resilience:

Tipuna Landscapes: Cultural Memory at Risk
Te Whenua Korowai: Revitalising Ecological Intelligence
Mana Whenua, Mana Tikanga: Restoring Customary Jurisdiction
Nga Reo o te Taiao: Protecting Linguistic-Ecological Memory
Te Aho Tapu: Weaving a Dual-Knowledge Post-Doctoral Fellowship PhD Pathway

Arotakenga Pukapuka kua Tāia, kāre anō kia Tāia

Climate change severely impacts whenua by threatening biodiversity, water resources, agriculture, and cultural heritage sites, disproportionately affecting Māori communities due to their deep connection to the land and their common location in vulnerable coastal and rural areas. Impacts include increased flooding, erosion, and habitat loss, which disrupt culturally significant practices and economic activities. Addressing these issues requires Māori-led adaptation strategies, incorporating mātauranga Māori and ensuring equitable participation in climate action to uphold Te Tiriti o Waitangi rights.

Key Impacts

Threat to cultural sites: Marae, urupā, and other sites of cultural significance are vulnerable to rising sea levels and increased flooding.
Ecological and biodiversity disruption: Changes in temperature and precipitation threaten native flora and fauna, impacting taonga and the overall health of ecosystems.
Food security and customary practices: Disrupted seasonal patterns and habitat changes affect the customary harvesting of mahinga kai and species, impacting food security and traditional practices.
Social and personal impacts: Māori communities face isolation from extreme weather events, with risks to infrastructure and access to essential services.

Māori Response & Solutions

Kaitiakitanga: The principle of kaitiakitanga is central to protecting the whenua and informing sustainable environmental management practices.

Mātauranga Māori: Incorporating traditional knowledge, values, and worldviews into climate adaptation strategies is crucial for effective and culturally appropriate decision-making.

Adaptive strategies: Iwi/hapū are developing strategies to adapt to climate change, including divesting from risky assets, and adopting new practices in agriculture and resource management.

(Bishara, S., Mika, Jason Paul., Climate Change and Whenua Māori, a management perspective. MAI Journal, Volume 14, Issue 1, 2025).

This research is funded by The Natural Hazards and Resilience Platform.