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Tuia Te Taiao
Aotearoa, New Zealand, has an ambitious goal to be
a predator-free nation by the year 2050. For this goal to become a reality, we need the entire country to get behind
this cause and support it in whatever way they can over the next 30 years. To help solidify our goal, the Tākaka Hill Biodiversity Group Trust has adopted the national tohu (symbol) that shows our support for the outcome of Predator Free 2050.
Whakapapa –
our inherent connection
to nature
Te Ao Māori
and Whakapapa
The Māori world and cosmology are tightly intertwined with nature. For Maori, Tāne is the progenitor of humanity. He is also the father of our forests' birds, insects and animals. Our native species are seen as part of our whakapapa and are, therefore, our whānau. We have a binding responsibility to them, the same way we have a responsibility to Papatuānuku, our earth mother and our family members, parents, siblings and spouse. Whakapapa is the matrix that connects us all. It is also intergenerational, spanning the past, present and future.
Our Native
Species Whānau
Whether we call it whakapapa, biophilia, or a primal connection, we are an integral part of nature. By engaging with PF2050, we're acknowledging our lineage to our native species and our natural environment. We're acknowledging that they aren't just birds or lizards. They are family. They are our equals and our ancestors. If our native taonga are thriving alongside us, our whakapapa links are strengthened, and New Zealanders, young and old, will feel a sense of wonder and connection.
The idea of whakapapa is rich with stories of our connection to nature, to each other and to past,
present and future generations.
The tohu reminds us why we are putting in the effort. The interwoven hands motif with a tree to reflect our inherent
connection with nature.
