Improving Māori/Indigenous engagement within B3 programs

An effective biosecurity system needs to operate cohesively and collaboratively to achieve specific social, cultural, economic, environmental, and biodiversity outcomes and should involve industry, community groups, Māori, the science community, central and local government, and ALL New Zealanders. A robust biosecurity system must acknowledge the cultural authority of mana whenua.

Māori have been practicing biosecurity for generations and have much to offer in terms of managing biosecurity risks.  Furthermore, Māori hold significant economic interests in the primary sector along with cultural, social, and environmental interests.

There are opportunities to improve the representation of Māori interests, priorities, and perspectives within B3 and other related kaupapa, to promote more inclusive and positive indigenous collaborations (Ayla, 2023; Erueti et al.). Building genuine and meaningful connections with mana whenua was an aim of B3 projects X22.23 (Empowering Te Ao Māori responses to biosecurity threats to taonga species, native ecosystems, and communities) and A21.1 (He Waka Hourua: Mātauranga and western science navigate a safe course for future biocontrol). Genuine connections were established between B3 researchers and hapū/ iwi (Ngā Hapū o Waipiro Ahu Whenua Trust Taiao roopū – Te Kahui o Taiao o Waipiro), kaitieki, community groups (Manaaki Awanui, CRT Coastal Restoration Trust) indigenous biosecurity networks (Te Tira Whakamataki), Pūna Mātauranga –  Waitangi Woods and Carlton Bidois, Māori forum and Taiao roopū (Ngaa Hapuu o Te Uru o Tainui), MPIs Biosecurity Engagement Team (Waata Papali’i) and regional and district councils from around the motu (Stacy Hill – Waikato Regional Council, Oriana Rojas -Gisborne District Council).   Through these connections the important mahi we do in all our B3  kaupapa has been widely dispersed.

During B3 B21.2 Assessing the risk of O’hia Rapid Death ROD to the Pacific and Aotearoa New Zealand– this engagement fostered relationships with Kanaka Maoli (Hawai’i) and other networks (Plant biochemist – Subama Mapou, New Caledonia), across the Pacific, further strengthening indigenous relationships and influences.

The outlay in developing genuine, authentic relationships with mana whenua presents a range of opportunities for B3. We propose that ‘Engagement with mana whenua and communities’ become a core theme of B3, with the programme providing on-going funding to maintain and support mana whenua engagement and indigenous knowledge exchange and ongoing research grounded in communities.

This programme will:

1.Maintain and strengthen relationships with mana whenua and communities developed from previous B3 investment.

2.Seek to connect new Māori roopū to this growing network.

3.Carry out wānanga and initiatives to support indigenous knowledge exchange

4.Connect other B3 projects this growing network, where appropriate.

Maintain Relationships

On-going engagement facilitates an appreciation of diverse worldviews and knowledge systems which can lead to innovative solutions and facilitates meaningful partnerships with mana whenua to respond effectively to B3 biosecurity threats. These relationships can be maintained inter-generationally when approached appropriately and contribute significantly to improving national biosecurity responses to threats throughout the country now and into the future.

Connect new roopū

B3 researchers involved in this programme will seek out opportunities to continue to grow this network of Māori roopū through connections within Māori communities.

Knowledge exchange

The realisation of pathogens like ROD that can severely impact on the survival of taonga species (Roy et al., 2024) has generated an awareness for mana whenua (B3 X22.23) to prepare pre- border to ensure the existence of taonga plant species.  Identifying species that pose a substantial risk prior to their arrival at the border is a proactive approach aimed at reducing the likelihood and potential impact of invasion (Mansfield et al., 2019).  The proactive approach taken by mana whenua in preparing pre-border measures highlights a central focus on upskilling and empowering communities. The science of seed banking will also be part of this kaupapa around building capability in relation to B3 biosecurity responses that can be implemented pre -border easily by mana whenua and indigenous communities (Black et al., 2018).  This will include developing an online resource around instructional seed banking to reach mana whenua/hapū and communities around Aotearoa to respond to biosecurity threats and risks.  Improving biosecurity capability amongst mana whenua built upon local mātauranga, maramataka, pūrākau and western science will also be a key feature of this kaupapa.

Another example of this knowledge exchange is to increase knowledge of biosecurity risks and tools, toward developing an online tool around B3 responses like seed banking.

Connect B3 projects

A great example of the additional value this proposed programme would provide would be to link B3 projects to mana whenua groups, where deemed appropriate and where relevant to the Māori partner. B3 projects often aim to engage with mana whenua to help with the implementation of research outcomes but struggle to achieve this in a meaningful and appropriate way. A good example would be to connect new project proposals such as #C24.17 AI technology to improve biosecurity at seaports in Aotearoa New Zealand and the technology knowledge they offer, where relevant and appropriate to connect with Māori partners.

Contact Project Leader Waipaina Awarau-Morris: [email protected]