Case Study: Ngāti Mutunga’s Use of the Mauri Compass for Environmental Advocacy
Background
Ngāti Mutunga, a Taranaki iwi deeply connected to their whenua and moana, has consistently demonstrated their commitment to kaitiakitanga. Their strategic approach to environmental issues, particularly in opposing activities that threaten the mauri (life force) of their natural resources, exemplifies the effective use of cultural tools like the Mauri Compass. This case study highlights Ngāti Mutunga’s journey in using the Mauri Compass in their environmental battles and provides a step-by-step guide for other iwi to adopt in their efforts to protect and restore their environments.
The Environmental Challenge
Ngāti Mutunga faced a significant environmental challenge with the operations of Remediation New Zealand, a waste management site in Uruti that negatively impacted the Mimitangiatua awa and the health of the local community. Despite the expiration of the site’s resource consents in 2018, operations continued, leading to significant concerns about water quality and broader ecological impacts.
The Role of the Mauri Compass
To support their opposition to the renewal of Remediation New Zealand’s resource consents, Ngāti Mutunga employed the Mauri Compass—a tool that integrates traditional Māori knowledge with contemporary environmental science to evaluate the health and vitality of natural resources. The assessment, focusing on the Haehanga Stream, provided both cultural and scientific evidence of the stream’s degradation, forming the cornerstone of Ngāti Mutunga’s legal challenge.
Step-by-Step Guide for Using the Mauri Compass in Environmental Advocacy
1. Understanding the Mauri Compass
• Familiarisation: Begin by understanding the principles and structure of the Mauri Compass. The tool evaluates various attributes, such as water quality, biodiversity, and cultural significance, to determine the overall mauri of a natural resource.
• Training: Ensure that key members of the iwi are trained in using the Mauri Compass. This training should cover both the cultural significance of the tool and the technical aspects of its application.
2. Identify the Environmental Challenge
• Assessment of Threats: Clearly identify the environmental threats or challenges facing your iwi. This could involve pollution, resource exploitation, or any activity that degrades the natural environment.
• Select the Affected Area: Choose the specific natural resource or area where the Mauri Compass will be applied. For Ngāti Mutunga, this was the Haehanga Stream impacted by the operations of Remediation New Zealand.
3. Gather Baseline Data
• Historical and Current Data: Collect historical data about the site, including previous environmental assessments, cultural narratives, and current environmental conditions. This provides a baseline for comparison.
• Engage with Whānau and Kaumātua: Involve the community, particularly kaumātua (elders), to gather oral histories and cultural insights about the site. Their knowledge is crucial in establishing a comprehensive understanding of the area’s mauri.
4. Apply the Mauri Compass
• Conduct Field Assessments: Use the Mauri Compass to conduct field assessments of the selected site. This will involve measuring various attributes such as water quality, biodiversity, and cultural connections.
• Cultural and Scientific Integration: Integrate cultural values with scientific data during the assessment. This step ensures that the evaluation reflects both the spiritual and physical health of the environment.
5. Analyse and Document Findings
• Data Analysis: Analyse the collected data to assess the overall mauri of the natural resource. Look for patterns or indicators of degradation that can be attributed to the environmental challenge.
• Documentation: Document the findings in a report that clearly outlines the impact on the mauri. This report will serve as the basis for legal and advocacy efforts.
6. Engage in Legal and Community Advocacy
• Prepare for Legal Proceedings: If the issue involves legal challenges, prepare to present the Mauri Compass findings as evidence. This may involve working with environmental lawyers to frame the evidence within the legal context.
• Community Mobilisation: Engage the community in advocacy efforts, ensuring they are informed and involved in the process. Public support can be a powerful force in environmental battles.
7. Present the Findings
• Hearing or Negotiation: Present the Mauri Compass assessment at council hearings, court cases, or negotiation tables. Highlight how the degradation of mauri affects both the environment and the cultural wellbeing of the iwi.
• Expert Testimony: Support the presentation with testimony from both iwi members and environmental experts to reinforce the findings.
8. Monitor and Follow-Up
• Ongoing Monitoring: Even after the initial advocacy efforts, continue to monitor the site using the Mauri Compass to track changes and ensure compliance with any legal rulings or agreements.
• Community Updates: Keep the community informed about ongoing developments and any further actions that may be necessary.
9. Adapt and Improve
• Review Outcomes: After the environmental battle, review the outcomes of using the Mauri Compass. Identify what worked well and what could be improved for future efforts.
• Update Practices: Adjust your approach based on the review, incorporating lessons learned to enhance the effectiveness of the Mauri Compass in future environmental challenges.
Conclusion
Ngāti Mutunga’s success in using the Mauri Compass to challenge and influence environmental decision-making provides a powerful example for other iwi. By following this step-by-step guide, other iwi can effectively integrate cultural values with environmental science, assert their role as kaitiaki, and protect the mauri of their natural resources for future generations.
Background
Ngāti Mutunga, a Taranaki iwi deeply connected to their whenua and moana, has consistently demonstrated their commitment to kaitiakitanga. Their strategic approach to environmental issues, particularly in opposing activities that threaten the mauri (life force) of their natural resources, exemplifies the effective use of cultural tools like the Mauri Compass. This case study highlights Ngāti Mutunga’s journey in using the Mauri Compass in their environmental battles and provides a step-by-step guide for other iwi to adopt in their efforts to protect and restore their environments.
The Environmental Challenge
Ngāti Mutunga faced a significant environmental challenge with the operations of Remediation New Zealand, a waste management site in Uruti that negatively impacted the Mimitangiatua awa and the health of the local community. Despite the expiration of the site’s resource consents in 2018, operations continued, leading to significant concerns about water quality and broader ecological impacts.
The Role of the Mauri Compass
To support their opposition to the renewal of Remediation New Zealand’s resource consents, Ngāti Mutunga employed the Mauri Compass—a tool that integrates traditional Māori knowledge with contemporary environmental science to evaluate the health and vitality of natural resources. The assessment, focusing on the Haehanga Stream, provided both cultural and scientific evidence of the stream’s degradation, forming the cornerstone of Ngāti Mutunga’s legal challenge.
Step-by-Step Guide for Using the Mauri Compass in Environmental Advocacy
1. Understanding the Mauri Compass
• Familiarisation: Begin by understanding the principles and structure of the Mauri Compass. The tool evaluates various attributes, such as water quality, biodiversity, and cultural significance, to determine the overall mauri of a natural resource.
• Training: Ensure that key members of the iwi are trained in using the Mauri Compass. This training should cover both the cultural significance of the tool and the technical aspects of its application.
2. Identify the Environmental Challenge
• Assessment of Threats: Clearly identify the environmental threats or challenges facing your iwi. This could involve pollution, resource exploitation, or any activity that degrades the natural environment.
• Select the Affected Area: Choose the specific natural resource or area where the Mauri Compass will be applied. For Ngāti Mutunga, this was the Haehanga Stream impacted by the operations of Remediation New Zealand.
3. Gather Baseline Data
• Historical and Current Data: Collect historical data about the site, including previous environmental assessments, cultural narratives, and current environmental conditions. This provides a baseline for comparison.
• Engage with Whānau and Kaumātua: Involve the community, particularly kaumātua (elders), to gather oral histories and cultural insights about the site. Their knowledge is crucial in establishing a comprehensive understanding of the area’s mauri.
4. Apply the Mauri Compass
• Conduct Field Assessments: Use the Mauri Compass to conduct field assessments of the selected site. This will involve measuring various attributes such as water quality, biodiversity, and cultural connections.
• Cultural and Scientific Integration: Integrate cultural values with scientific data during the assessment. This step ensures that the evaluation reflects both the spiritual and physical health of the environment.
5. Analyse and Document Findings
• Data Analysis: Analyse the collected data to assess the overall mauri of the natural resource. Look for patterns or indicators of degradation that can be attributed to the environmental challenge.
• Documentation: Document the findings in a report that clearly outlines the impact on the mauri. This report will serve as the basis for legal and advocacy efforts.
6. Engage in Legal and Community Advocacy
• Prepare for Legal Proceedings: If the issue involves legal challenges, prepare to present the Mauri Compass findings as evidence. This may involve working with environmental lawyers to frame the evidence within the legal context.
• Community Mobilisation: Engage the community in advocacy efforts, ensuring they are informed and involved in the process. Public support can be a powerful force in environmental battles.
7. Present the Findings
• Hearing or Negotiation: Present the Mauri Compass assessment at council hearings, court cases, or negotiation tables. Highlight how the degradation of mauri affects both the environment and the cultural wellbeing of the iwi.
• Expert Testimony: Support the presentation with testimony from both iwi members and environmental experts to reinforce the findings.
8. Monitor and Follow-Up
• Ongoing Monitoring: Even after the initial advocacy efforts, continue to monitor the site using the Mauri Compass to track changes and ensure compliance with any legal rulings or agreements.
• Community Updates: Keep the community informed about ongoing developments and any further actions that may be necessary.
9. Adapt and Improve
• Review Outcomes: After the environmental battle, review the outcomes of using the Mauri Compass. Identify what worked well and what could be improved for future efforts.
• Update Practices: Adjust your approach based on the review, incorporating lessons learned to enhance the effectiveness of the Mauri Compass in future environmental challenges.
Conclusion
Ngāti Mutunga’s success in using the Mauri Compass to challenge and influence environmental decision-making provides a powerful example for other iwi. By following this step-by-step guide, other iwi can effectively integrate cultural values with environmental science, assert their role as kaitiaki, and protect the mauri of their natural resources for future generations.
