Whai Rawa, Whai Mana, Whai Oranga: Creating a world-leading indigenous blue economy
This research built a foundation for a world-leading indigenous blue economy in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Project Leader
Duration
Budget
Jason Mika (Massey University) & John Reid (University of Canterbury)
February 2018 – June 2019
$500,000
Overview
Māori businesses are on track to be the largest commercial interest in Aotearoa New Zealand fisheries. Māori also have growing customary property rights and governing authority in the management of marine areas. We explored regulatory and policy tools to embed mātauranga Māori in sustainable commercial and customary fishing activities.
In this project, we examined existing models and frameworks of mātauranga Māori used in the management of the marine ecosystem and economy. We analysed hapū and iwi approaches to integrated management and identified the structures and operating principles of Māori marine organisations.
Our research aims were to:
Identify policy and regulatory tools that foster marine ecosystem and economic management, and reflect Māori knowledge systems, values frameworks and operating principles
Develop kaitiaki business models that embed Māori commercial activity within sustainable ecosystem processes
Integrate kaitiaki business models with frameworks for the development of sustainability tracing and authentication systems that will capture premium for Māori marine products
Support the commercialisation, extension or adoption of Māori marine management ideas, processes, and products that support economic and ecological development for marine resources and communities.
What is a ‘blue economy’, and how can Aotearoa get one? Jason Mika discusses how can we best develop our marine economy, while protecting the taonga of our marine environment.
What is a ‘blue economy’, and how can Aotearoa get one? In this video, Jason Mika discusses how can we best develop our marine economy, while protecting the taonga of our marine environment.
Literature review: Indigenising the blue economy in Aotearoa New Zealand
Report
This literature review explores three themes on both constraints and potential solutions for Māori transitioning to a blue economy. Rout M, Mika J, Reid J, Whitehead J, Wiremu F, Gillies A, McLellan G & Ruha C (August 2023)
Māori marine economy: Its definition, principles, and structure
Summary
This paper defines the Māori marine economy, outlines its structure, and highlights challenges for Māori marine-based enterprises engaged in the business of fishing. It draws together findings from a literature review of traditional and contemporary knowledge, values, principles and practices; case studies of Māori marine-based enterprises; and an institutional analysis of the Māori marine economy.
The Māori marine economy (MME) has emerged out of Māori responses and adaptations to Crown-created institutions and structures that are different from traditional Māori institutions. Reid J, Rout M, Mika, J (2019)
Mātauranga Māori: shaping marine and freshwater futures
Academic publication
Clapcott J, Ataria J, Hepburn C, Hikuroa D, Jackson AM, Kirikiri R, & Williams E (2018). New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 52(4), 457–466.
This poster summarises an analytical framework for examining kaitiaki-centred business models. A kaitiaki-centred business model is one that focuses on the environmental, economic and social not as individual, competing components but rather as three interconnected pou (pillars) of mauri sustainment, or well-being.
Auahatanga from Authenticity: Maximising opportunities for Akaroa Salmon and Ōnuku Rūnanga
Report
This report is focused primarily on auahatanga (differentiation) – differentiating kaitiaki-generated products from commodities and diversifying Māori activity in the marine economy. Whitehead J, Rout M, Mika J, Reid J, Wiremu F, Gillies A, McLellan G, Ruha C & Tainui R (August 2023)
We studied initiatives to create economic value from sustainable marine activities that are based on healthy ecosystems. We used the findings to map and model a blue economy.
Hui-te-ana-nui: Understanding kaitiakitanga in our marine environment
We have examined mātauranga Māori associated with the marine environment by analysing key texts, historical archives, literature, reports and legislation.
