Tangaroa Ararau – Te Tiriti o Waitangi, Tikanga Māori and the marine environment

In Aotearoa, our history as navigators, voyagers, explorers and mariners dates back more than a thousand years, to the times of Kupe, Kuramarotini, Huiterangiora, and the Great Captains of the migration waka.

Over generations, keystone concepts emerged to continuously reinforce a synergistic relationship with Tangaroa and everything that influences the wider marine ecosystems. Complex ocean economies developed in step with ecosystem health indicators. This body of knowledge informed traditional management systems that put Tangaroa, the embodiment of the ocean’s health and vitality, at the heart of decision making.

Tangaroa Ararau is exploring the myriad relationships within Aotearoa New Zealand’s Oceans, to reimagine a governance system that places Tangaroa at its heart. Built upon a foundation of tikanga Māori and Te Tiriti o Waitangi, it aims to reshape our approach to the oceans, in a uniquely Aotearoa approach.

This potential system will be aspirational and far reaching in its design. And whilst fundamental features of the proposed governance model include Tikanga Māori and Te Tiriti, this potential system will be unique to, and born of, Aotearoa to reflect and connect to all its citizens.

Tangaroa Ararau, or Tangaroa of the many paths, acknowledges these many braided threads, views and journeys that have led to this moment in time.