We will implement holistic, enduring solutions for restoring and protecting the unique biodiversity and ecosystems in Aotearoa New Zealand. This policy document outlines these solutions through a lens of Ngā Atua - the gods.
Vision
All aspects of te taiao - the natural world - are protected and regenerated so they can thrive for all time. Through the actions envisioned by Matike Mai, all whānau, hapū and iwi will have their tino rangatiratanga implemented under Article II of Te Tiriti in implementing their own best practices with regards to environmental protection.
Values and Principles
Environmental policies must align with the following values and principles:
- Honour Te Tiriti o Waitangi: Tangata whenua hold a key role as leaders and kaitiaki with valuable mātauranga Māori. Tino rangatiratanga of iwi, hapū and whānau must be respected and upheld, both during and after the work of Matike Mai is integrated into our social fabric.
- Ecological Wisdom: We must recognise the interdependence of humans and the natural world. Papatūānuku should not be viewed as a resource: We must respect our place within the ecosystems we rely on. Prioritising ecological sustainability and regeneration is vital.
- Social Responsibility: Access to environmental justice must be equitable: empowering communities and enhancing the wellbeing of all people. Overconsumption must be prevented: future generations should not be burdened with a lack of resources.
- Appropriate Decision Making: Environmental decision-making should be inclusive, transparent, led by those disproportionately affected and Māori as kaitiaki, and use both mātauranga Māori and Western science.
- Non-Violence: Violence towards the environment must be prevented, with comprehensive methods for monitoring, managing and sustaining ecosystem health. Impacts of environmental damage or its mitigation should not fall disproportionately on marginalised communities.
- Future Thinking: Long-term thinking is a key consideration in the guardianship of te taiao. Environmental protection must equitably meet the needs of both present and future generations, as well as the needs of wider ecosystems.
- Interconnectedness: Ki uta ki tai - from the mountains to the sea. Environmental management requires integrated management of terrestrial, freshwater and marine ecosystems.
Strategic Priorities
The Green Party’s strategic goals include:
“All native species and their habitats will be thriving or on a path to recovery in terrestrial, freshwater and marine environments.
Our laws and practices will respect the biological integrity of all life, while prioritising the health of indigenous species and ecosystems.
The customary and decision making roles of whānau, hapū and iwi will be integral to decisions about resource use.
Decision-making about resource use will provide for community participation and environmental justice.”
Actions in this policy that will help achieve this include:
- Move away from exploiting the environment for the economy, and towards a circular economy. (1.2)
- Protect and restore populations of native species to ensure healthy ecosystems; access to these species for the purposes of tikanga Māori, and build resilience to a changing climate. (2.2)
- Honour Te Tiriti o Waitangi by resourcing tangata whenua to exercise tino rangatiratanga as kaitiaki, including through the return of land. (5.1)
- Resource youth-led research on environmental issues, and protect and restore the environment for future generations. (5.6)
- Implement and strengthen measures to rapidly reduce our own greenhouse gas emissions. (6.6)
Connected Policies
Our Freshwater, Land and Soil, Conservation, Marine Environment, and Waste and Toxins Policies sit alongside this policy. Environmental policy is also found throughout our policies. We encourage the reader to also consult the following policies: Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Climate Change, Economic, Energy, Housing and Sustainable Communities, Research, Science and Technology, Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and Transport.
