Māori me te tiakina o te Taiao

Māori and Biosecurity

Why Māori should be involved with Biosecurity

Taonga such as indigenous flora, fauna and resources are highly prized treasures by Māori. Māori have diverse interests in the management of taonga as both kaitiaki and developer. These dual roles oblige Māori to be involved in decisions that may impact on taonga, and there is an expectation that their cultural, spiritual, environmental and economic values are explicitly reflected in the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Biosecurity New Zealand’s (MAFBNZ) decision making processes.

Māori are well positioned to identify biosecurity issues and research needs important to Māori. Therefore, it is important for Māori to be aware of potential impacts from incursions of pests and diseases associated with taonga and resources in their rohe. Constant communication with MAFBNZ will allow Māori to build capacity and capability in this field.

As kaitiaki and Treaty of Waitangi partners, Māori also have a particular interest in ensuring appropriate delivery and integration of mātauranga Māori me ōna tikanga into biosecurity science. This integration must occur in a way that maintains the cultural integrity of these knowledge systems and cultural practices.

What MAFBNZ is doing to support this kaupapa

The Biosecurity Science Strategy for New Zealand, launched late 2007, recognises the importance of mātauranga Māori and its relevance in modern biosecurity management.

MAFBNZ is committed to engage more positively with Māori on biosecurity issues, by developing strong working relationships and networks with key Māori groups in the planning, prioritisation and delivery of biosecurity science.

Some of the work that MAFBNZ has been involved with recently can be viewed through our regular Korero Whenua publication.

If you would like any assistance relating to biosecurity issues please contact MAFBNZ’s Senior Advisor, Māori.

Senior Advisor, Māori
MAF Biosecurity New Zealand
Pastoral House
25 The Terrace
PO Box 2526, Wellington

pataimai@maf.govt.nz
(04) 894 0100

Ngā Hononga Pārongo Māori

Related Sites:

Ministry for the Environment (MfE) – the Government's principal adviser on environmental sustainability and international matters that affect the environment.

Environmental Risk Management Agency (ERMA) – prevents or manages risk to people and the environment incorporating Ngā Kaihautū Tikanga Taiao which is a committee to advise the Authority on taking account of the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi and Māori perspectives.

Ministry of Economic Development (MED) – aims to foster economic development and prosperity for all New Zealanders

Te Puni Kōkiri (TPK) – principal advisor on government-Māori relationships, leading Māori Public Policy, and managing relationships and information

Department of Conservation (DoC) – charged with conserving the natural and historic heritage of New Zealand on behalf of and for the benefit of present and future New Zealanders.

Office of Treaty Settlements (OTS) – negotiates on behalf of the Crown, settlement of historical Treaty of Waitangi claims with Māori claimant groups

Ministry of Fisheries (Mfish) – works to ensure that fisheries are used in a sustainable way and that we have a healthy aquatic ecosystem.

Ministry of Health (MoH) – aims to ensure that the health and disability system works for all New Zealanders

Ministry of Research, Science and Technology (MoRST) – in 2005 implemented the ‘Vision Mātauranga’ policy framework. This policy framework will guide research investment decisions made by Vote RS+T funding and investment agents eg. FRST

Foundation for Research, Science & Technology (FRST) – designs research portfolios that respond to the needs and diversity of Māori. Stimulates prosperity and improvement in the well-being of New Zealanders and the environment through investing in innovation and fostering the creation of new knowledge.

Non-Government Agency:

Federation of Māori Authorities (FoMA) – New Zealand's largest Māori business network with the mission of progressively fostering and promoting the development, sound management and the economic advancement of Māori Authorities and in turn the wider Māori communities they benefit.

Page last updated: 19 June 2008