Knowledge into Action for Te Taiao at the A&P Show

Knowledge into Action for Te Taiao at the A&P Show

Below is an update from April 2023. The Knowledge into Action for Te Taiao project finished in May 2024. Up-to-date information on the project is available via the WAI Wānaka website.


Knowledge into Action for Te Taiao – one of three place-based projects that make up the Revitalise Te Taiao research programme – updates us on its recent activities in the Upper Clutha catchment.

It was a challenging start to 2023 for the rural community of the Upper Clutha, with drought conditions affecting the summer season.

The recent Wānaka A&P Show was a wonderful opportunity for both the rural and urban communities to have a day out – and an opportunity for the Knowledge into Action for Te Taiao team to connect with them and reinforce the project’s kaupapa.

Hosted in the Our Land and Water tent, the project team was joined by Land & Water Science to demonstrate the ability of geospatial mapping to deepen our knowledge of landscapes and provide confidence in decision-making to realise opportunities for farm businesses and te Taiao. 

At the opposite end of the show, WAI Wānaka’s education team was part of Our Place – a collaboration of local environmental groups showcasing their work through activities and interactive displays.

The team meet Minister O’Connor at the Our Land and Water tent at the Wanaka A&P Show

Workshops and implementation with farmers

Out on the whenua, some of the smaller landowners took part in an environmental planning workshop led by Knowledge into Action for Te Taiao in collaboration with NZ Landcare Trust. There was a particular interest in understanding and improving soils and a follow-up event is being planned to expand on this topic.

A field visit to undertake a visual soil assessment and identify risk areas as part of the small landholder environmental planning workshop

A workshop introducing farmers and rural professionals to NZFAP Plus was held in Wānaka with Alan McDermott and Simon Stokes. With excellent feedback, another will be hosted in May. This workshop outlined NZFAP Plus as a framework for farmers to collect and collate information that would support their decision-making on-farm to create resilient and sustainable farm businesses.

To support this process, WAI Wānaka has developed a biodiversity and freshwater monitoring programme on farms to understand soils, indigenous vegetation, bird life, and aquatic health. The Knowledge into Action for Te Taiao team is implementing this on-farm this autumn.

Farmers and rural professionals gathered for the NZFAP+ Workshop hosted by WAI Wānaka

Working with Environmental Accounting Services and the local community, a catchment-wide monitoring system is being developed to monitor the long-term impacts of key environmental and social indicators. We have set up a steering group to ensure it is a community-led initiative with a whole-of-catchment approach. 

The aims of the catchment-wide monitoring system are to:

    • Communicate qualitative and quantitative data on the state of catchment health and track progress over time.

    • Align monitored indicators to the community catchment plan and sustainable development goals.

    • Develop a central repository for data collection and reporting.

    • Encourage community ownership and responsibility for overall catchment health.

    • Set up a reporting system that is enduring and repeatable.

Spatial mapping

The Knowledge into Action for Te Taiao team is working with Land & Water Science to collate and analyse data and mapping information for the Upper Clutha to guide land use and land management decisions.

This data will guide us in understanding areas in the catchment which:

    • are susceptible to risk (to the environment or landscape)

    • can be managed to build resilience

    • can create opportunities for the catchment or local farmers (eg through land use diversification).

The Knowledge into Action for Te Taiao team and WAI Wānaka are now looking forward to hosting the larger Revitalise Te Taiao whanau for a hui in Wānaka in May.

The WAI Wānaka education team dressed up as a tui and crested grebe at the Wānaka A&P show

More information:

    • Knowledge into Action for Te Taiao is one of three projects in the Revitalise Te Taiao research programme

Lucy Murray
Lucy Murray

Lucy Murray is the Rural Lead for the Knowledge into Action for Te Taiao Project with WAI Wānaka

Transparency Reports & Impact Assessments

Publish annual transparency reports and impact assessments that document the social, environmental, and economic outcomes of value chain activities. This could include metrics on mana & mauri of soil, carbon emissions, water usage, biodiversity conservation, and community development indicators, providing stakeholders with a comprehensive understanding of the value chain's performance and areas for improvement.

By incorporating these ideas into value chain development efforts, stakeholders can create cultural, transparent, ethical, and sustainable systems that honour the interconnectedness of te Taiao, people, place, and consumers.

Cultural Protocol & Respect

Incorporate cultural protocols and practices into value chain activities, ensuring that all interactions with the land, waterways, and natural resources are conducted with respect and reciprocity. This could involve consultation with mana whenua, knowledge holders, and cultural advisors to ensure that value chain activities align with cultural values and traditions.

Regenerative Agriculture & Land Stewardship

Promote kaitiakitanga and regenerative agriculture practices that prioritise mana whenua and landowner knowledge, soil health, biodiversity conservation, and carbon sequestration. This could involve supporting whanau & hapu, and landowners in implementing agroecological techniques, reforestation projects, and habitat restoration efforts that enhance ecosystem resilience and vitality.

Consumer Feedback & Engagement

Engage consumers in dialogue and solicit feedback on their preferences, values, and expectations regarding transparency and sustainability. This could be tested through kanohi-ki-te-kanohi and digital surveys, focus groups, or interactive forums where consumers can voice their opinions and contribute to the development of more transparent

Environmental Monitoring & Reporting

Implement environmental monitoring and reporting systems to track the impact of production activities on local ecosystems and communities. This could include regular audits, data collection initiatives, and community-based research projects that assess the social, environmental, and cultural implications of value chain activities.

Supply Chain Partnerships

Forge partnerships between producers, processors, logistics providers, wholesalers and retailers to create transparent and mutually beneficial supply chains. This could involve direct sourcing agreements, fair pricing mechanisms, and collaborative decision-making processes that prioritise the well-being of producers and the environment.

Cultural Storytelling & Education

Use storytelling and educational initiatives to raise awareness about the cultural significance of products and the importance of preserving traditional knowledge and practices. This could involve hosting community events, workshops, or virtual tours that showcase the connection between te Taiao, people, place, and the products consumers purchase.

Maori/Community - Led Certification & Labelling

Establish a certification or labelling system that highlights products sourced from Maori-owned or environmentally sustainable enterprises. This could include labels indicating adherence to traditional land management practices, organic farming methods, or fair trade principles e.g. to take a step further the labels are printed with vegetable ink from a facility powered by renewable energy!!

Incorporating Maori knowledge & Practices

Value chains can integrate Maori knowledge and practices related to environmental stewardship, resource management, and cultural preservation. Local communities can be actively involved in decision-making processes, drawing on their deep understanding of the land, waterways, and ecosystems.

Digital Platforms for Transparency

Develop digital platforms or mobile applications that provide consumers with real-time information about the origin, production methods, and environmental footprint of products. This could include interactive maps showcasing the journey of products from farm to table, stories about local producers, and data on sustainability metrics.

Community-Owned Enterprises

Promote the establishment of community-owned enterprises that prioritise transparency, accountability, and equitable distribution of benefits. These enterprises could involve local farmers, artisans, and entrepreneurs working collaboratively to produce and market goods while respecting cultural and environmental values.

Developing a Transparent Value Chain

 

Value chains and markets with a te Taiao, people, and place perspective can operate by fostering sustainability, cultural resilience, economic empowerment, and community well-being. They recognise the interconnectedness of environmental, social, and cultural factors and strive to create inclusive and equitable systems that benefit all stakeholders.

Developing a transparent value chain from the perspective of te Taiao, people, place, and consumers can involve integrating Te Ao Maori knowledge and sustainable practices into every stage of the production and distribution process. Examples of this could be as follows: