The He Kāhui Mano Tribal Summit, held on the 8th and 9th of October 2024, at Te Whare Hononga, marked a significant moment for indigenous communities in New Zealand. This two-day event aimed to reimagine the future through a unified approach to circular economy practices influenced by Māori perspectives. The summit was made possible thanks to the generous support of various sponsors dedicated to advancing community sustainability.
Welcoming participants from all over Aotearoa New Zealand, the summit encouraged collaborative discussions through keynote speeches, panel presentations, and breakout sessions focusing on the unique challenges faced by tribal communities. The overarching goals included fostering strategic collaboration and encouraging meaningful dialogue, ultimately striving to promote Zero Waste principles within a positive economy.
Results from the summit were impressive, with 100% of participants acknowledging the enhanced understanding of the connection between the Circular Economy and Te Ao Māori. This profound understanding is critical as it links cultural practices with modern sustainability efforts, reflecting a shared commitment to environmental stewardship.
Moreover, the initiative aimed at empowering Māori whānau and communities by supporting local solutions to pressing global challenges. As the event concluded, strong interest in ongoing collaboration was evident, with many participants expressing enthusiasm for implementing similar initiatives in their own communities.
Both the Circular Economy Masterclass and the He Kahui Mano Summit highlight the Rautāpatu Foundation's commitment to building sustainable practices rooted in community knowledge and cultural values, ensuring that local voices are heard and integrated into the broader dialogue on our collective responsibility to one another and te Taiao.
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