Members of the TMBC Māori Caucus attended the first ever Māori Biosecurity Symposium that was held in New Plymouth from 28-30 July.
Organised by Te Tira Whakamātaki, home of the Māori biosecurity network, the three-day wānanga focussed on celebrating Māori biosecurity practices and connecting biosecurity practitioners with communities, industry and agencies to come together in a kaupapa Māori environment to consider how Māori and their mātauranga can contribute to the restoration of our natural world.
Tauranga Moana was well represented which included a presentation by Manaaki Te Awanui on their Asian paddle crab research, and how they are using mātauranga methods to collect data.
A diverse range of projects and kaupapa were on the agenda from Myrtle rust, kauri protection, pest control and border security with a common theme highlighting Māori partnership in the biosecurity space.
TMBC Co-Chair Carlton Bidois appreciated the opportunity to engage with Māori organisations and kaitiaki from across the country.
“It was great to showcase Māori input and interactions in biosecurity and the contribution we’re making towards improving biosecurity and biodiversity in Aotearoa.”