Appropriate Use of Taonga Species

How can the research be used? Ka pēhea e whai take ai te rangahau?

• The project will empower Māori to use, enhance and protect the indigenous species on their whenua in a manner that is underpinned by tikanga, aligning with the insights of the 2011 Waitangi Tribunal Wai 262 report, Ko Aotearoa Tēnei.
• Members of Wakatū Incorporation will test the development of a community protocol designed to strengthen the ability of hapū and landowners to engage in robust access, utilisation and benefit-sharing (ABS) negotiations.
• This research will support hapū members to have a good understanding of ABS through an accredited e-learning course, and to record an agreed set of collective values and expectations around the appropriate use of taonga species. This will empower them in sharing the collective community values and ABS aspirations of their group.
• Researchers will collate key information regarding appropriate practice and benefit-sharing approaches in the use of indigenous organisms. A presentation slide pack will be developed, accompanied by an easy-to-understand video and infographic explaining the process.
• Resources generated from this mahi will allow learnings to be shared with Māori organisations across the country that have an interest in self-determined models of land use that utilise indigenous flora and fauna, or promote regeneration of indigenous species.
• People interested in this project may also be interested in the Wai 262 resources produced by the Rauika Māngai.