Climate Action

The response to climate change has been framed up in a Western context. It is failing and will continue to fail as Western thinking is not equipped to deal with the complex planetary systems that influence the climate. The misdiagnosis of the crisis generates policy creating economic incentives and disincentives that will not stabilise the climate in time to avoid catastrophic impacts.

In addition to seeking or demanding permission for a seat at the table, Māori can offer solutions based on a broader understanding of the biosphere and climate dynamics. If institutions in Aotearoa reject mātauranga Māori (kōrero tuku iho), Māori can reach across to International Institutions more likely to be receptive to constructive dialogue.

This page extends the pathways for mitigation from one (stop burning fossil fuels) to several broader pathways drawing on knowledge based on a harmonisation of Indigenous and scientific thinking. These pathways are highly relevant to Te Tai Tokerau and action based on them can support the well-being of whānau. They are:

Kai (food systems)
Marine regeneration
Energy security and transport
Wai - fire, flood and drought mitigation
Engagement and climate kōrero
Regenerative land use

Each of these sections is expanded on below with a couple of (hopefully) inspiring videos.

Read more about these in Healing the Climate in Te Tai Tokerau.

Kai (food systems)

Food production including pastoral farming accounts for over 50% of land use in Tai Tokerau. Focal areas include:

Regenerative agriculture
Water quality
Mara kai
Rebuilding local food networks
The health connection

Example: Pā to Plate

Marine Regeneration

With our 5,000 km Tai Tokerau coastal and harbour shoreline we are positioned to regenerate the moana and transform the way we grow and harvest kai moana.

Kelp regeneration
Tapere – moana connections
Regenerating wai repo (wetlands)

Example: Chinampas project in the Church Bay wetland (see below)

Energy security and transport

Renewable energy can support the provision of cheaper and greener electricity to whānau, and increasing the EV fleet and public transport will reduce Tai Tokerau emissions.

Renewable energy projects and renewable energy zones
Expanding the EV fleet
Reinvigorating kāinga

Example: Millan Ruka’s Marine Turbine project

Wai – fire, flood and drought mitigation

We need to reverse our instinct to get water off the land and harvest more water and recharge our aquifers.

Protecting lakes and waterways
Water harvesting action research in vulnerable catchments (e.g. Kaeo River)
Co-governance of water allocation

Example: NgāiTakoto and Ngāti Kuri regeneration of dune lakes

Engagement and Climate Kōrero

Climate policy is driven by Western reductionist thinking that overlooks the mātauranga that has so much to contribute. Supporting our taitamariki and each other to see the range of climate action we can engage in to give us hope in the future

Example : Te Ahu Tū Roa

Regenerative land use

Revegetating ecosystems, especially with native plants will cool our region and help heal the climate

Taiao teams – revegetation and pest and weed control and “Careers for Nature”
Reinvigorating kāinga

Example: Kauriora mahi