Some issues for debate
Sustainability is an important concept for any use of native species. Factors to be considered would vary from one species to another. The situation is very different for rare resources such as materials from dead wildlife and carving timber, than it is for easily grown weaving and medicinal plants and other more commonly available resources.
The levels at which different species, and the particular local or regional populations of a species, might be able to sustain any use - and the rates of use which might be possible - would need careful attention. The wider ecological contexts, including habitat, breeding
patterns, the special needs of migratory species, and the ongoing decline of all but a handful of native bird species, are all important factors.
For many of New Zealand's native species and ecosystems, much scientific research still remains to be done. More information is needed about our natural heritage and the ecological processes on which it depends.
Traditional Maori knowledge about species and their behaviour, and the wider environment, is in many cases locally based, specific to a tribal area, and not structured in ways compatible with conventional Western science. The value of traditional local knowledge is increasingly recognised - however care must also be taken to protect the intellectual and cultural property rights of Maori in any information-sharing.
Many birds are accidentally killed, stranded whales are unable to be refloated, the fishing industry takes seabirds and marine mammals in accidental bycatch, in some cases standing dead trees or fallen timber can be removed, and creatures are sometimes culled for conservation management reasons. Maori access to what resources are currently available is an important principle.
Ownership of the crafted items made from available natural materials is another important issue for Maori.
Under the present laws the Crown has formal ownership of all feathers and other materials and the taonga/artefacts made from them. This is felt as a severe
insult to Maori mana/dignity and respect. No conservation values are at stake as the creature or plant is already dead. There have been calls for the law to be changed to grant ownership of such taonga to the tribe.
Many plant species important for weaving and rongoa/medicinal uses are easily cultivated, and plantations can be established for Maori customary use and for restoration of degraded ecosystems.
Greater participation of Maori in general conservation programmes and systems will help to build awareness and purposeful cooperation. An appreciation of the Maori position and traditional Maori culture is also important to make progress - understanding the validity of using native materials in a community-based, non-profit-making, educational and cultural process.
Other questions raised in the 1994/95 consultation process include:
- improved systems of decision-making and administration for presently lawful Maori customary use,
- accountability and reporting requirements,
- funding implications,
- mechanisms for the participation and advice of Pakeha scientists and environmental groups,
- the role and responsibilities of the Crown, and
- the most appropriate balance between national consistency and regional and local flexibility.
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