Listen Now: 
August 08, 2023
Kaitiaki roll enhances in biodiversity plan
Atereano Mateariki
Posted On August 8, 2023
Download AudioThe chief Māori scientist for the Biological Heritage National Science Challenge says the new National Policy Statement for Indigenous Biodiversity recognises and encourages kaitiakitanga.
The statement sets out for district and regional councils what resource management policies are needed to protect and maintain indigenous biodiversity.
Erina Watene says it opens pathways for councils and tāngata whenua to work together to attain conservation goals.
“Before now, there’s not been a fair process for hapū and iwi to proactively discharge our kaitiaki responsibilities for taonga species and ecosystems. So this national policy statement and framework can enable councils and tangata whenua to work in partnership to determine indigenous species protections,” she says.
RELATED NEWS
