Harnessing Mātauranga Māori

Mātauranga Māori lets communities tap into indigenous wisdom, observations, and sustainable practices developed and refined by Māori over centuries.

Central to Mātauranga Māori is an emphasis on working harmoniously with nature instead of trying to dominate or control it. Traditional practices, rooted in an understanding of natural landforms and waterways, can inform flood mitigation strategies. 

Māori knowledge recognises the natural flow patterns of rivers and respects ecosystems' ability to absorb water, giving valuable insights into sustainable approaches for managing floodwaters. Examples include re-establishing wetlands and protecting riparian vegetation, which enhance water retention and minimise the impacts of flooding.

There’s plenty of examples of Mātauranga Māori in this context. A project is underway in Gisborne to enhance urban stream networks that drain into the Tūranganui estuary. It's using Mātauranga Māori and modern science to help restore the health of the culturally significant estuary system. By the end of the project in June 2026, around 170,000 native plants will have been used in wetland and riparian planting.

The reimagining of Southland's Mataura River system combines modern catchment science with Mātauranga Māori to foster cultural, environmental, and economic resilience within the catchment. And in rain-lashed Northland, Māori Councillors at Northland Regional Council are making sure Mātauranga Māori and te taiao (nature) are considered in decisions around flood relief efforts.

 At the heart of Mātauranga Māori is the concept of whakapapa, which recognises the interconnectedness of all living beings and elements of the natural world. This perspective acknowledges the interrelationship between land, water, and people, enabling a comprehensive understanding of the complex systems at play in flood mitigation efforts.

Whanaungatanga, the principle of kinship and collective responsibility, is another crucial aspect of Mātauranga Māori. In the context of flood mitigation, this principle emphasises involving local communities and stakeholders in decision-making processes.

Inclusive participation is encouraged by Mātauranga Māori, ensuring diverse voices are heard, and traditional knowledge is integrated into flood management strategies.

In Northland, a major project focussed on restoring and protecting rare wetlands in the Wairua River system / Te awa o Wairua has brought together the people of the awa through hui wānanga (meetings) to discuss a new pathway of ecological management based on Mātauranga Māori.

When developing community resilience programs, targeted engagement with Māori communities in high-risk flood areas becomes essential. Incorporating Māori perspectives, which prioritise long-term sustainability and the well-being of future generations, enables the achievement of more holistic and culturally appropriate solutions.

Mātauranga Māori isn't just a static body of knowledge; it's a living and evolving approach that adjusts to changing circumstances. As flood risks continue to rise, embracing this approach becomes a promising pathway towards effective and sustainable flood mitigation.

To advance the development and use of Mātauranga Māori, Massey University hosts the Te Toi Whakaruruhau o Aotearoa research hub. The hub aims to generate and apply Mātauranga Māori in shaping new knowledge for risk reduction. Through a Māori viewpoint, it highlights the interconnectedness of all aspects of natural hazard risks and catastrophic events.

By fostering collaboration between Māori knowledge holders and scientific experts, a powerful and constructive interaction emerges. This collaboration enables the integration of traditional wisdom with contemporary flood mitigation technologies and strategies. The combination of indigenous knowledge and scientific expertise paves the way for resilient and sustainable solutions that benefit both Māori communities and wider society.

This collaborative effort enhances our ability to mitigate and adapt to floods. It provides an opportunity to develop solutions that are resilient and culturally appropriate. By using Mātauranga Māori, we can create solutions that will benefit all Aotearoa's present and future generations.