ABSTRACT. The utility of mātauranga Māori (Māori knowledges) in Aotearoa|New Zealand Forest conservation is not particularly visible in research and policy. Indeed, current forest biosecurity processes are largely constructed from Western principles, values and scientific knowledge that are often devoid of Māori beliefs and values. While the interface between mātauranga Māori and mainstream science is still problematic, we argue that traditional Māori frameworks, ethics, and principles that capture local interests, perspectives, realities, and aspirations of Māori are mandatory to articulate modern solutions to taonga species and biosecurity issues. A mātauranga Māori approach draws upon physical, spiritual, and metaphysical values, providing a unique knowledge base in which to improve environmental management, including protection of biological heritage. By employing a pūrākau (storying) method that endorses personal lived realities as a means of knowledge transfer, we were able to elicit the meaning and value our participants give to te taiao (the environment), ngahere (forests) and taonga (heritage) species. We conclude that mātauranga Māori is a necessary discourse if the longer-term biosecurity strategic goals of Māori and the government are to effectively and efficiently result in collaborative priorities in forest health.

Keywords: Māori knowledge systems; pūrākau; taonga species; biosecurity; forest health

How to cite: Erueti, B., Tassell-Matamua, N., Pomare, P., Masters-Awatere, B., Dell, K., Te Rangi, M., and Lindsay, N. (2023). ‘Pūrākau o te Ngahere’: Indigenous Māori Interpretations, Expressions and Connection to Taonga Species and Biosecurity Issues. Knowledge Cultures, 11(1), 34–54. https://doi.org/10.22381/kc11120233

Received 5 November 2022 • Received in revised form 7 February 2023
Accepted 13 February 2023 • Available online 1 April 2023