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Download AudioA new roopu as been set up to fight for constitutional protection of Māori intellectual property.
Tiaki Taonga, which was launched on Saturday at Kohewhata Marae in Kaikohe, brings together groups and individuals associated with WAI 262, the Waitangi Tribunal claim for recognition of the cultural and intellectual rights to flora, fauna, mātauranga and tikanga Māori.
Haami Piripi from Te Rarawa says it intends to consult on the sort of frameworks that could best protect indigenous knowledge.
“We know intellectual and cultural property still exists, and even though it is being misappropriated, misused and abused in some cases by various organisations and people, it doesn’t prevent us putting in place a framework for its ongoing protection,” he says.
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