Maori and the Environment

de Rachael Selby, Pataka Moore, Malcolm Mulholland, Te Wananga-o-Raukawa Staff

This collection of 19 articles discusses the impact of changes in Aotearoa New Zealand's natural environment due to factors such as climate change, pollution and degradation of waterways and land, pest control and environmental management policy. It highlights Māori perspectives on these issues and actions that Māori have taken to maintain and restore the environment. These contributions demonstrate that the relationship that Māori have with the environment through kaitiakitanga has sound environmental principles and provide a reminder of obligations for future generations of all New Zealanders. With local, regional and central government decisions about the environment continuing to be based on a least expensive option rather than on the most sustainable, the book suggests that Māori should take a lead role as active kaitiaki to promote sound principles in the wider community for the benefit of all. The editors are Rachael Selby, Pātaka Moore and Malcolm Mulholland. Rachael is a senior lecturer at Massey University and an oral history researcher. Pātaka has a background in resource and environmental planning and Māori resource development. Malcolm is an editor at Massey University and has conducted research for a number of Treaty of Waitangi claims. The 24 contributors, including Professor Mason Durie and Dr Margaret Mutu, are researchers, scientists and academics, and all share a passion for the environment and are extensively involved in work to preserve and restore it.--Publisher description.