Ngā Kaupapa Taiao o Kahungunu, Monitoring the Past Protecting the Future 

​

This year, the Kahungunu Taiao team agreed that the words Measure, Manage, Restore and Protect would be a great theme for this year's Fish Hook Summit. It takes a lot of time, energy, courage and commitment to stand up in hui, in court, in your own work space, to protect our Environment.

 

Our natural environment provides our physical sustenance as well as being a reminder of tīpuna and the spiritual aspect of our existence. The health of our environment has a direct influence on the health of our people. We are charged to preserve and protect our air, water and lands and the resources within for the benefit and survival of our mokopuna.

​

The Fish Hook Summit was initiated to support marae/hapū to come learn and share what we are all doing in our spaces to preserve and protect our environment. Research and gathered data show how the Taiao is diminishing. We must understand that when the Taiao is well, we are well. When it is unwell, we become unwell. This Kaupapa is not just about data, however, it’s about identifying issues, determining restoration plans and managing those plans by making informed decisions and taking action.

 

In the meantime, our environment is rapidly diminishing. We need to prioritise what can and can't be restored. We want to know what’s under threat, whether from development or climate change. We need to have the tools and evidence to stand our ground. Cyclone Gabrielle taught us that if we can’t manage, we can’t restore; if we don’t restore soon, there won’t be anything left to protect. 

 

Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi Incorporated is holding hui across the motu, assessing the past 25 years and looking to the next 25 years, KAHUNGUNU2050. We have the opportunity to help co-design our intergenerational response toward the vision for the wellbeing of Ngāti Kahungunu. 

​

We need to be united in our efforts. Collective action is important. 

​

• We know the future will be more difficult to predict – a precautionary approach is what’s required

• Amongst all the change, there’s the constant which is our obligation, our responsibility, it’s our worldview, spiritual, cultural, grounded in matauranga tuku iho, deeply practical, understanding the connection between people and te ao marama.

• We’re not outside looking in, we’re part of the environment, and we're responsible for it

• Whether it’s monitoring paua, water, spats, weaving taura, planning for long-term visions, Kaupapa remains the same - The health of our environment has a direct influence on the health of our people. We must protect our environment.​​​