MAORI WORLD VIEW -
1. Tiwaiwaka (Fantail) by Robert McGowan (Pa Ropata). This booklet lays out very succinctly the Maori world view and is highly recommended reading in these times of change. The guiding principles represent a different set of priorities to how the world operates today. The number one priority is not profit, but caring for the whenua. That’s the only way to ensure long term sustainability. You can learn more from the Tiwaiwaka website and purchase a copy of the booklet if interested.
1. Tiwaiwaka (Fantail) by Robert McGowan (Pa Ropata). This booklet lays out very succinctly the Maori world view and is highly recommended reading in these times of change. The guiding principles represent a different set of priorities to how the world operates today. The number one priority is not profit, but caring for the whenua. That’s the only way to ensure long term sustainability. You can learn more from the Tiwaiwaka website and purchase a copy of the booklet if interested.
2. Kaitiaki O Te Taiao - A meeting was held with Ian Shapcott (Shappy) of Kaitiaki O Te Taiao – Guardians of the Environment on March 30th, 2020.
The Kaitiaki O Te Taiao office has the aim of attempting to assert kaitiakitanga in support of the Te Ātiawa People. We were approached by Shappy to have a korero. In his email to us he said – “Whilst we have a range of minor successes, the overall trajectory continues downward. Irrespective of that, we continue to put our efforts into priorities, a key aim being maintaining and developing positive relationships, to knit together those who are committed to global / human health.”
In our discussion Shappy outlined the philosophy and aims of their organisation and we talked about the common ground we share. Shappy had expressed his concerns that the strong focus on Climate Change by many people and organisations around the world might be distracting us from the other major biodiversity and environmental issues facing our planet. As he said, “the game will likely be over before climate change becomes the key survival determinant”. We were able to reassure him that we are very aware of the potential for disruption and collapse due to short term possibilities. All participants found the meeting very worthwhile and we’re keen to work together where possible.
It is important we use any opportunity to raise awareness that climate change is not an isolated process and recognise the interconnected nature of all the threats facing our biosphere. Shappy made the point that “Tikanga Māori has much to offer a transition to a new governance model. It provides cultural platforms like manaakitanga and kaitiakitanga, the likes of which have been stripped from European Culture by a number of industrial revolutions and brain-washing by free market forces.”
Here are some useful documents shared by Shappy -
| contemporary_kaitiakitanga.pdf |
| environmental_sustainability__-_february_2020.pdf |