Re-connecting Mātauranga: Encouraging a Resilient Community through Cross-Cultural Frameworks

Aotearoa’s streams are found to be the most degraded in major urban areas, where 51% of the population compared to 16.3% live in rural areas in 2018. Because of rapid urban development, there is an increase of pressure on the environment to provide freshwater and resources for New Zealanders. Western world views have driven the development of all urban landscapes of Aotearoa.

Currently, a significant percentage of impervious surfaces cover urban landscapes such as Auckland and Wellington(10 kha), combined with the current land use increases the number of pollutants in the waterways. Because of the pollution, the number of waterways that are clean enough to swim, fish and drink from are decreasing and impacts the connection Māori and Tauiwi have to their environment.

The relationship of land cover and natural stream’s health has exposed the fundamental notion of a healthy urban landscape affecting the health of a city and its people. Integrating Māori methods back to the natural environment is one opportunity to enhance urban streams and re-connect Māori to their landscape.

Through the lens of Te Ao Māori, a stronger relationship can be formed where the local government will benefit from prioritizing Māori engagement and leadership. An important aspect of Te Ao Māori is the holistic framework that aligns with leading Māori values.