Awhi Mai Awhi Atu: Enacting a kaitiakitanga-based approach to EBM

This research will bring together mātauranga Māori and science to investigate habitat connectivity as it applies to the unique social, cultural and ecological context of Ōhiwa Harbour. Specifically, this will help better understand the degrading harbour and promote recovery of the once abundant mussel reefs and shellfish of Ōhiwa Harbour.

The key aim is to co-develop and co-produce marine research that actively positions tikanga and mātauranga Māori as a fundamental approach alongside science for present and future generations. 

The other research aims are:

• Ngā tohu o te taiao – Recognising, interpreting and responding to contemporary tohu or environmental signs, signals and indicators of the natural world
• Mahi tahi – Collaborative observation, action and reflection, look to an intergenerational past to enact the present and inform the future
• Kaitiakitanga – Active guardianship, combine learnings from localised mātauranga Māori with science to enact positive, proactive decision-making and management action

This project has been co-developed with hapū/iwi of Ōhiwa harbour. It is supported by the Bay of Plenty Regional Council and the seven partners of the co-management Ōhiwa Harbour Implementation Forum. This project has arisen from the issues, challenges, actions and aspirations of Māori and is grounded in Whanaungatanga the principle of working in meaningful, genuine collaboration to influence how mātauranga Māori and science principles and practices are translated operationally in ways that recognise cultural values, knowledge systems and opportunities.

How it relates to the Challenge

The bringing together of different knowledge systems to improve decision-making capabilities using a kaitiakitanga-based approach to EBM actively support the Challenge objective: To enhance utilisation of our marine resources within environmental and biological constraints.