Te Tira Whakamātaki. Indigenous environmental not-for-profit

Nau mai, haere mai ki

Te Tira Whakamātaki

The watchful ones

Investing in
evidence-based solutions

Advocating for indigenous-led solutions in the protection
of our native species through education and research.

Protecting our taonga

Ensuring the protection of our whenua, wai and taonga species through the application of indigenous environmental practices

Integrating Mātauranga Māori

addressing environmental challenges, using the wisdom of our elders and our traditional knowledge, to create modern solutions

What we do

Te Tira Whakamātaki is an indigenous environmental not-for-profit, and this website is dedicated to sharing our stories, our research, and our solutions, as well as introducing you to the amazing people undertaking work to protect our natural heritage.

Our work to reverse the decline of our biodiversity, to restore balance to our natural world, and re-establish a reciprocal relationship with Papatūānuku (Mother Earth) is embedded in our ancestor’s knowledge of the environment, our indigenous philosophies, and science. This means we start by recognising indigenous peoples as the best guardians of not only their own lands but of all nature, and indigenous knowledge (in our case mātauranga Māori) as a legitimate knowledge system that is more complex than science.

Sustainability

TTW spearheads programmes and initiatives that will ensure the longevity and sustainability of indigenous knowledge systems such as a native seed bank

Knowledge

TTW actively promotes, and enhances the ability of, Māori to apply their knowledge, culture and perspectives within Aotearoa’s national science framework.

Whanaungatanga

TTW foster and maintain relationships between whānau, hapū and iwi, and mainstream science experts, research organisations and government entities; to create long-term, positive environmental change.

Opportunities

TTW actively seeks out projects, opportunities and collaborations that empower and resource local Māori communities to operate independently and at grass-roots level.

Mātauranga-led solutions

We actively promote and enhance the abilty of Māori to apply,protect and honour their knowledge,culture, values, and perspectives in Aotearoa New Zealand's research, science, and innovation system for the benfit of te Taiao, ur environment..
Photographer : Naomi Aporo

Tikanga | Customs

We work to ensure our environmental tikanga (customs) not only guide the way we work but are respected, understood, and given effect to in environmental management practices and systems

Kaitiakitanga

TTW actively contribute to the advancement of a global network of indigenous kaitiaki, elders, knowledge holders, activists, scientists, politicians and policymakers, to advance the application and acceptance of traditional knowledge systems in regenerating Mother Earth.

Photographer : Naomi Aporo

Mana Motuhake Self-Determination

We work to ensure Māori communities rights to self-determination are maintained, especially their cultural and spiritual connections to, and ways of protecting their lands, waters, and natural heritage.

Join Us

Aotearoa’s first Māori Biosecurity Symposium
Te Wānanga Whakamātaki
28 – 30 July 2022
New Plymouth

Supported by Biosecurity New Zealand, the programme encourages participants to delve deeply into te ao Māori – to understand the depth of indigenous knowledge available to conservation practitioners, and to discover how a blended approach to biosecurity practices in Aotearoa New Zealand can benefit all.

''Working with knowledge holders and using mātauranga to protect Papatūānuku and all that live with her is a privilege
one I hope we can share with our communities through our research and education''

''Working with knowledge holders and using mātauranga to protect Papatūānuku and all that live with her is a privilege one I hope we can share with our communities through our research and education''

Melanie
Mark-Shadbolt

Learn More

Award

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