Working Group Achieve Milestone for Revitalise te Taiao

Working Group Achieve Milestone for Revitalise te Taiao
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Daniel Moore Daniel Moore
Kokiri ki UtaUpdates
July 17, 2022

A working group led by Dr James Turner, Simon Stokes and Richard Te Hurinui Jones developed the Revitalise te Taiao place-based research programme to develop evidence-based examples of how agribusinesses and communities can make enduring changes to revitalise Te Taiao.

Tuituia ngā pae mātauranga
kia Toitū te whenua, kia Toiora te wai.
He mihi maioha ki ngā mātanga taiao, mātauranga Māori,
kaipūtaiao, kairangahau, ngā māngai ahu matua, kaipakihi ahuwhenua,
me ngā reo mana whenua i paiheretia ō mātauranga kia tipu,
kia rea te kaupapa rangahau o Revitalise te Taiao.

With the public launch of the Revitalise te Taiao research programme, and with research underway, we would like to acknowledge and thank the working group members who designed and developed Revitalise te Taiao.

Revitalise te Taiao was co-designed and co-developed by 25 individuals from across Māori agribusiness, mātauranga Māori practitioners, scientists, researchers, community leaders, government and industry representatives. The research programme was established under terms that prioritised the inclusion of Māori agribusiness and land management case studies.

The Revitalise te Taiao working group, along with programme leads Dr James Turner, Simon Stokes and Richard Te Hurinui Jones, held their first official gathering in April 2021 at Te Mānuka Tūtahi marae in Whakatāne. A series of hui followed with members collectively tasked with designing and developing the Revitalise te Taiao research programme in 2021 through to 2022.

“Right from the start, the programme has incorporated a number of elements from Te Ao Māori that are underpinned by Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles of partnership, participation and protection.”

— Revitalise te Taiao co-lead Richard Te Hurinui Jones

Participants from Māori business and community members had a diverse range of skills and experience including kaupapa Māori, Māori-centered and Māori-led initiatives, research, and mātauranga Māori with respect to land and freshwater-based sustainable business options.

“Right from the start, the programme has incorporated a number of elements from te ao Māori that are underpinned by Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles of partnership, participation and protection,” says co-lead Richard Te Hurinui Jones.

The research programme is led by and centred on mana whenua, communities and agribusinesses who are working to revitalise te Taiao. A key achievement has been engaging in a process of collaboration with a range of people with diverse views to come up with a framework for choosing pilots.

For more information to see how Revitalise te Taiao will be implemented, Te Tiriti o Waitangi Manawa Ora model provides an insight to the design and development and guiding principles and values of the research programme. The video below is presented by one of the working group members Murray Hemi (Mātanga Mātauranga Māori, Kaipūtaiao nō Te Aitanga o Kupe, nō Rangitane, Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa). 

This research programme will continue through to June 2024. Read more about Revitalising te Taiao here.

Revitalise Te Taiao te taiao

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:
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