Tangaroa

We explored the development of EBM through the lens of mātauranga and tikanga Māori.

Throughout Māori history the sea has played a dominant role given the ancestral connections and existence of Māori as island peoples for thousands of years. The knowledge established through this connection, alongside the increasingly significant customary and commercial interests held by Māori in the resources of the sea, are contributing to achieving the Challenge’s mission.

The Tangaroa programme from 2014-2019 was dedicated to exploring the development of ecosystem-based management (EBM) that is founded on, and informed by, mātauranga and tikanga Māori. It looked at mātauranga-inspired innovations that enable Māori to participate as partners and leaders in marine management and decision-making.  

Our projects focused on: 

• The practice and maintenance of kaitiakitanga/guardianship in our marine environment 
• Understanding the Māori marine economy and future opportunities
• Developing practical resources for Māori to support improved marine management
• Assessing New Zealand's legal and policy frameworks for enabling Māori partnerships and leadership in marine management 

Our approach recognised that positively supporting Māori partnership and participation in managing our marine resources is an important factor in successfully enhancing and sustainably using these resources for future generations.

Led by Linda Faulkner from 2014-2019, the first phase of the Tangaroa programme: 

• Developed an EBM approach that is underpinned and informed by kaitiakitanga
• Supported iwi, hapū and whānau understanding and implementation of kaitiakitanga, complemented by EBM science and tools 
• Developed innovatively improved partnership and leadership-based Māori participation in marine management and decision-making
• Developed an understanding of key components of the Māori marine economy. 

The Tangaroa programme has continued into the second phase of our research. Click on the button below to visit the current Tangaroa programme.

 Tangaroa (Phase II)