Kaitiakitanga

Kaitiakitanga means the act of guardianship, to protect, nurture and to care for. It is to understand that our natural environment is far more revered than humanity itself, based on a Māori and indigenous worldview. Māori understand that we are not the tuakana or elder in this relationship, acknowledging that Papatūanuku will continue well beyond our earthly existence.

In the context of Tikapa Moana (the Hauraki Gulf) it is important to note that there are approximately 26 Iwi that have deep cultural associations and interests in Tikapa Moana. It is acknowledged that there are particular nuances that apply to each of these Iwi with regard to defining kaitiakitanga, but also their role and responsibilities and the way in which these can be expressed. Essential to understanding this association, as an example, is that I will take a support role behind those Iwi communities that have a genealogical tie to an area where I do not. 
The view of kaitiakitanga shared here, is not a Ngāti Paoa expression of kaitiakitanga, but a personal one of experience, learnings and understanding. As a longstanding and passionate advocate for the environment, I am a descendant of Tikapa Moana. I am not a kaitiaki which is a role that is held by our guardians and atua, as shared with me by my elder. In our karakia/prayers we acknowledge Hinemoana and Tangaroa as our atua and kaitiaki of Tikapa Moana and also our kaitiaki such as Ureia and Moko-ika-hiku-waru who have protected our waterways and ensured the safe passage of our Iwi for many generations. Their spirits but also their presence continue to live on in our cultural narratives, oral histories and incantations. It is important to note that it has only been more recently where humankind have attributed this atua-like persona upon themselves without this deep cultural understanding, i.e. calling themselves kaitiaki. 
With regards to our Waiheke Marine Collective aspirations, to co-design and develop a regenerative  Ahu Moana Plan we must all see ourselves as custodians and guardians (kaitiaki). For many, many generations we have all been nourished by the bounty of Tikapa Moana, our pātaka kai/resource/food that continues to sustain us. Tikapa's wellspring is finite and we have much collaborative work before us to enhance the mauri, life force and vitality if Tikapa Moana is to emerge from 'just surviving to thriving' once again.  There is a reciprocal and a symbiotic relationship that exists and in that vein, we all have a kaitiakitanga response-ability to act in the best interests of Tikapa Moana.
 
Or pātaka is under threat and we are all duty-bound and accountable for the preservation of Tikapa Moana for us today, our tamariki and mokopuna (future generations), including all ecologies into the future.  

Nā Lucy Tukua
Ngāti Hura tōku hapū
Ngāti Paoa tōku Iwi