What is the Te Tiaki Mahinga Kai Project?

Dr. Pip Pehi and Associate Professor Henrik Moller will be presenting on the recently established Te Tiaki Mahinga Kai Project that investigates the application of traditional knowledge and social-ecological knowledge research to ensure sustainable customary fishing and enhanced coastal, estuarine and river health.

Te Tiaki Mahinga Kai (TMK) is a nation-wide collective of researchers, Māori environmental managers, and Māori community leaders from throughout Aotearoa who have come together to support environmental management and kaitiaki of mātaitai, taiāpure and temporary closures (local community-led fishing reserves on coasts, estuaries and rivers). 

TMK's vision is of sustained enhancement of the cultural, economic, social and environmental wellbeing of Māori through the application of mātauranga associated with mahinga kai to modern customary fisheries practices.

TMK's mission is to provide opportunities for Māori to participate fully in the management of their own customary fisheries assets, through the acquisition of enhanced science research capacity, and more recognition and utilisation of appropriate traditional methods alongside contemporary practices.

Mātaitai and taiāpure are Māori-styled community-led conservation initiatives for managing customary fisheries on coasts and rivers throughout New Zealand. There are currently 8 taiāpure and 6 mātaitai gazetted around New Zealand, but another 12 mātaitai applications are being processed by Ministry of Fisheries. Informal inquiries suggest that at least 10 more applications are about to be lodged. The rapid escalation of the number of mātaitai applications in the past two years suggests that this community-led, local-level devolved governance institution is emerging as the main vehicle for Māori to exercise kaitiakitanga throughout New Zealand. Expectations are that mātaitai and taiāpure provide improved environmental and cultural outcomes.

The lecture of open and free to the public. Kai and non-alcoholic drinks provided.

Dr. Pip Pehi and Associate Professor Henrik Moller of the University of Otago.

For more information, contact:

Te Whare Akonga o te Akatoki
Māori Students' Study Centre
University of Canterbury
129 Ilam Road
Christchurch
(03) 364 2987 ext 3980