Indigenous solutions
for a better world
Te Tira Whakamātaki is an independent Māori environmental and research not-for-profit, working across Aotearoa New Zealand and the globe to protect and restore our taiao (environment).
Our name Te Tira Whakamātaki was gifted to us by kaumātua Kevin Prime and Dr Jamie Ataria, as a reminder of our role as the 'watchful ones'.
We work to ensure Māori Communities and Indigenous Peoples, have access to information, advice and training that supports and enhances their environmental aspirations, helps restore balance to our natural world, and re-establishes a reciprocal relationship with Papatūānuku (Mother Earth). Our ancestor’s knowledge of the environment, our Indigenous philosophies, and science are embedded in our approach and our work.
Te Tira Whakamātaki is home to the Māori Biosecurity Network, Tikanga a Rangahau: Māori Research and Ethics Council, Ngā Taura ki a Papatūānuku: International Indigenous Youth Network, and the National Iwi Chairs Forums biosecurity technicians.
Protect our Whakapapa
Protect Papatūanuku
Te Tira Whakamātaki stands against the Fast-Track Approvals Bill.
Read our full submission by clicking the button below.
Urgent Call to Action!
Help us oppose the Fast Track Approvals Bill. Time is running out as the deadline is tonight at midnight - Friday April 19, 2024! 🕛
Access the template below to make your own submission. Your voice matters—let’s ensure it’s heard loud and clear! ✊
When you have finished drafting your submission, lodge it via this link.
Want to know what TTW did in 2023? Watch below!
Tikanga
a Rangahau
Māori Research
and Ethics Council
International Indigenous Environmental & Disaster Youth Network
Seed Conservation
Māori Biosecurity
Symposium
Ā Mātou Mahi
Our Work
Our work contributes to our vision of a world where Indigenous peoples & solutions are valued in the fight to protect nature and reduce the most pressing threats to the diversity of life on earth.
We have four broad areas of work.
Research
We conduct and support research that benefits the environment and our Māori and Indigenous communities. This includes contract work.
Education
We work to develop environmental capability and capacity expertise for the protection and restoration of our natural world (taiao).
Engagement
We build a network of kaitiaki across Aotearoa and support agencies to engage appropriately with Māori and Indigenous peoples in the environmental system.
Advocacy
We create spaces and places for sharing ideas, shifting systems, and mobilising communities and individuals committed to decolonizing the environmental system.
Ō Mātou Tāngata
Our People
Our team of biosecurity technicians, kaitiaki, kaumatua, kuia, tohunga, Māori researchers and policymakers are woven through our communities, committed to our Mother Earth through Indigenous-led knowledge systems.
Pictured left to right, Melanie Mark-Shadbolt, Dr Amanda Black and Dr Nick Waipara
Ā Mātou Whanonga Pono
Our Values
Te Tira Whakamātaki is a values-based organisation.
Our work is guided by the values set by our Kāhui Rangatira.
Tohungatanga
Acknowledging and elevating Māori experts, kaitiaki, knowledge, tikanga in environmental spaces.
Manaakitanga
Upholding the mana of everything and everyone with kindness, generosity, respect, decolonisation, and equitable practices.
Whanaungatanga
Fostering reciprocal relationships built on the intention of strengthening connections, especially between people and the taiao.
Rangatiratanga
Asserting Māori rights, sovereignty, and law in everything we do.
Kaitiakitanga
Acting on our responsibility and right to care for and protect the taiao.