THESIS: Transitioning Environmental Governance

Transitioning Environmental Governance: Tikanga Māori and a Political Ethic of Care

December 2022

Tapsell E. 2022. Transitioning Environmental Governance: Tikanga Māori and a Political Ethic of Care. A thesis submitted for the degree of Master of Arts in Māori Studies. Victoria University of Wellington.

ABSTRACT

This thesis outlines the important roles that tikanga and care ethics have in the governance of our environment. Current governing practices and systems in Aotearoa are deeply intertwined with colonial histories and ideologies that can devalue care, tikanga and reciprocal relationships. However, as environmental threats increase globally and locally, new ways of relating to and governing our environments are necessary (IPBES 2019; Te Mana o Te Taiao 2020). Indigenous knowledge and legal concepts are pivotal to more holistic governance of the environment and in Aotearoa, this often includes tikanga Māori. This thesis explores the need to decolonise governance systems and ideologies of care to ensure better relationships with the environment and between Te Tiriti o Waitangi partners in Aotearoa. I argue a political ethic of care is needed within environmental governance to ensure that relationships are balanced, and power, privilege and history are not ignored or maintained in the process of transitioning environmental governance into a more relational and tikanga Māori informed system. I recommend a Political Ethic of Care Toolbox to be used in environmental policy and planning by decision-makers working in environmental governance.

KEYWORDS

environmental governance; tikanga; care ethics; Te Tiriti o Waitangi