Dr James Turner on Taiao Manawa Ora: Purpose-led Change

AgResearch social scientist Dr James Turner recently took centre stage at the Revitalise te Taiao seminar held in Te Whanganui-a-Tara (Wellington). The seminar hosted guests from the Ministry for Primary Industries, Māori Agribusiness, Ministry for the Environment, Ministry of Business Innovation & Employment, Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research and other primary industry leaders.

As co-lead of Revitalise te Taiao Dr Turner shared his firsthand insights into how Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles have been instrumental throughout the implementation of this research programme in efforts to revitalise Te Taiao. Dr Turner outlined how a Te Tiriti framework, Taiao Manawa Ora, has helped three place-based pilots (referred to as Ngā Kaiurungi Taiao) from Wānaka, Taranaki, and Waikato and the Bay of Plenty to navigate a pathway forward.

Dr Turner says, “At the heart of Revitalise te Taiao is Te Tiriti o Waitangi as the foundation for tangata whenua and tangata Tiriti working together. That foundation then sets the context for starting with te taiao, the natural world that contains and surrounds us, and knowing that when nature thrives we all thrive. Te Tiriti is also the context for bringing all knowledge together and developing shared values that guide community-led action. Looking at what it looks like, what it feels like to put Taiao Manawa Ora, the 11 Key Insights into action on the ground to revitalise their communities and Te Taiao.”

See Taiao Manawa Ora 11 Insights PDF here.

To watch the full kōrero by Dr James Turner and to learn more about Revitalise te Taiao we welcome you to watch the video recording from the seminar.