Creating new pathways

 The importance of reflecting on ways of enhancing mana was recognised at the 2023 Urbanism Aotearoa conference through it being a lead theme and opening address on Day One. This acknowledged the connection between the theme of ‘Mana-enhancing’ and creating new pathways to achieve better outcomes.

The underpinning importance of relationships and te reo Māori

 Discussions and korero contributed to building an understanding of the integral importance of relationship building beyond the life of a project. The project is one of many conversations to be had, whereas nurturing of relationships cover many topics and is ongoing.

A strong emphasis was given to whakataukī (proverbial sayings), waiata, karakia, karanga and other forms of tikanga for capturing iwi/ hapū narratives and oral histories. Pūrākau (story telling) and taonga tuku iho (treasures handed down through the gods) were strongly associated with the mana-enhancing theme.

A key message  is that building relationships with and within Māori communities is not a sprint, it is a long-term commitment. Likewise points were made that expectations of first meetings have to allow for being challenged, and for it to be OK to make mistakes in order to improve or enhance learning.

Swapping out our cultural lens to grow and sustain change

 For urbanism in Aotearoa to evolve alongside mātauranga Māori there is a need to shift not only in the way we think, but also in our combined actions and the way we deliver to meet the aspirations of mana whenua and iwi representatives. This was seen to be clearly related to allowing a cultural lens to flourish that is less heavily driven by Euro-centric lenses of the past.

Confidence was expressed that Māori frameworks that enhance te taiao, the natural world, and embody mātauranga Māori are being used and developed in Aotearoa to support bi-cultural approaches to the management of natural resources and built environments. At the same time it was observed that there are many examples to take heed of where elements of gentrification have severely encroached on communities, compromising inclusivity and diversity.

Many voices offering a Te Ao Māori perspective

There is an importance on reflecting on te ao Māori and what it can do for all communities, not just Māori communities. There are challenges and opportunities for  imagining decolonisation and this was reinforced by speakers and panelists throughout both days of the event.

These speakers and panelists included Lucy Tukua (Ngāti Paoa and Ngāti Whanaunga), Graham Tipene (Ngāti Whātua, Ngāti Kahu, Ngāti Hine, Ngāti Haua, Ngāti Manu), Paulette Reidy (Ngāti Tamaterā, Ngāti Hako, Ngāti Raukawa), Kimiora Raerino (Ngāti Awa & Ngāti Rangiwewehi), Miriam Moore Miriam (Tainui, Ngāti Mahuta), Jade Kake (Ngāpuhi, Te Whakatōhea and Te Arawa), William Hatton (Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Rongomaiwahine, Ngāti Raukawa, Rāngitane and Muaūpoko), Daniel Haines (Te Rarawa), Sybil Bloomfield (Waikato Tainui, Ngāti Maniapoto, Ngai Te Rangi), Dr James Berghan (Te Rarawa, Te Aupōuri) and Dr Rebecca Kiddle (Ngāti Porou and Ngā Puhi).