BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY FUNDING - MATAURANGA MAORI
The Government will spend an extra $2.35 million to increase iwi and hapu participation in managing biodiversity in ways
that are consistent with customary knowledge (Matauranga Maori) with the knowledge remaining the property of the
particular iwi or hapu. This funding is part of a comprehensive five-year package involving conservation, environment,
fisheries and biosecurity, confirmed in this year's Budget to support the Government's Biodiversity Strategy. Other
projects in the package will also provide opportunities for Maori involvement as well as protecting biodiversity of
value to Maori and biodiversity on Maori-owned land, such as the increased funding going to Nga Whenua Rahui as part of
a $37 million package to protect biodiversity on private land.
This funding links to the strategy's goal relating to the Treaty of Waitangi and halting the decline in New Zealand's
biodiversity and will also support Government's strategic goals of protecting and enhancing the environment, and
strengthening national identity and upholding the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi.
The project
The Matauranga Maori project will establish a new contestable fund to support iwi initiatives to increase their
capability to retain and promote traditional Maori knowledge and its use in biodiversity management. The fund will also
help increase iwi and hapu participation in processes for managing biodiversity in their rohe (area). It recognises that
the use and protection of traditional knowledge is central to Maori participation in biodiversity management.
Under threat
The Biodiversity Strategy identifies the under-use and ongoing loss of Matauranga Maori about New Zealand's biodiversity
as a key issue that needs to be addressed for the strategy to be successful. A wealth of knowledge has been lost and is
in danger of disappearing forever. Many kaumatua have reliable traditional knowledge related to cultural activities and
experiences associated with New Zealand's native biodiversity.
As New Zealand's biodiversity faces new threats, Maori need resources to develop or acquire new knowledge and skills to
allow them to effectively participate in biodiversity management.
Actions
The existing Nga Whenua Rahui committee will administer the new fund. In the first year, the committee will establish
criteria and administrative arrangements, and will call for applications. From year two, funding will cover
administration and grants to selected projects.
While the fund is available to Maori only, its use will result in improved restoration and protection of New Zealand's
biodiversity, and more sustainable use of it by all New Zealanders.
Community partnerships
Funding will allow the development of more partnerships between iwi and the Department of Conservation, and therefore
more meaningful involvement of Maori in biodiversity management.
Funding package details
All figures are GST inclusive.
2000/01 2001/02 2002/03 2003/04 2004/05 Total
$40,000 $315,000 $665,000 $665,000 $665,000 $2.35m
For further information, please refer to http://www.biodiv.govt.nz