New Zealand Policy: Te Mana o te Taiao (Biodiversity Strategy)

Summary

In 2020, the New Zealand government set out a strategic framework for protecting, restoring, and sustainably using biodiversity—especially indigenous biodiversity. The strategic framework uses an indigenous model, incorporating Māori concepts and values, especially Te Mana o te Taiao—the mana (prestige, authority, control or personal charisma) of the living environment. Te Mana o te Taiao, the Aotearoa New Zealand Biodiversity Strategy 2020 includes data about biodiversity and plans for how Te Mana o te Taiao will be implemented through “well-connected networks of relevant people, including urban and rural communities, stakeholders, industry and central and local government.”

The Strategy establishes a vision that by 2050 the mauri (life force) of nature is sustained and enhanced, reflecting a foundational integration of mātauranga Māori (Indigenous knowledge) and a recognition of the intrinsic value of nature alongside its ecological and socio-economic functions. It identifies five system-wide objectives: improving ecosystem health and resilience, halting species decline and supporting recovery, strengthening biosecurity to prevent invasive species impacts, enhancing community and iwi (tribal) partnerships in biodiversity governance, and embedding biodiversity considerations across all sectors of decision-making.

Related Initiatives