Webinar

A Te Ao Māori perspective on the maunga tree situation in the context of relationships with the taiao (natural world), and with each other

7-8 pm, Tuesday 2 November 2021 via Zoom

You are invited to join us for a Te Ao Māori perspective on Tūpuna Maunga Authority’s plans to rid Tāmaki Makaurau / Auckland’s maunga of around 2500 exotic trees.

In this webinar our Tangata Whenua presenters will discuss how adhering to traditional Māori cultural and spiritual values would see a very different approach being taken to the current one – an approach that respects Papatūānuku / Mother Earth and her children, while facilitating good relationships between all peoples.

Yo Heta-Lensen (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Hine)

Ōwairaka / Mt Albert resident and longstanding supporter of the Honour the Maunga tree protection group

Yo will discuss the maunga tree situation in the context of Te Ao Māori principles of whanaungatanga (relationships) and manaakitanga (hospitality, kindness and respect) in relation to:

• honouring all trees’ whakapapa to Papatūānuku / Mother Earth
• protecting the whenua (land)
• facilitating good relationships between tangata (all people)
• protecting taonga (treasured possessions)

She will also describe a conversation she had with an Aboriginal elder as they walked past a stand of eucalyptus trees on the maunga.

Shirley Waru (Te Rarawa o Ngāpui / Te Uri o Tai)

Leader of the Respect Mt Richmond / Ōtahuhu maunga tree protection group

Shirley will talk about how mātauranga Māori underpins her decision to lead an occupation of Mt Richmond / Ōtāhuhu if and when Tūpuna Maunga Authority moves to destroy that maunga’s 443 exotic trees.

She will also discuss her concerns around how the Authority is breaching tikanga (correct protocols) in the way it is treating local communities and the environment.

Important – to avoid delays, please do not leave it until the last minute to join!

For further information email Honour the Maunga or Respect Mt Richmond / Ōtāhuhu