Co-Founder and Co-Designer of Te Takarangi (Māori Circular Economy Model)
Teina is a prominent figure in environmental science and ecological development, with a career spanning over 30 years.
Teina’s advocacy for the circular economy is deeply rooted in her Māori heritage and focuses on integrating indigenous values into sustainable practices.
Teina co-founded and co-designed Te Takarangi, a circular economy model that incorporates Māori cultural values. This model emphasises the restoration of natural living systems and the interconnectedness of all life forms.
She collaborated with Juhi Shareef to reinterpret the Doughnut Economics model from a Māori perspective. This model, originally developed by economist Kate Raworth, identifies a “safe and just space” for humanity to thrive, balancing social foundations and ecological ceilings. Teina’s interpretation ensures that the model is inclusive, diverse, and equitable, reflecting the unique social and environmental context of Aotearoa.
Teina is an active speaker and educator, sharing her knowledge at various summits and conferences including at the Ōhanga Āmiomio Pacific Circular Economy Summit in 2019, where she highlighted the divine kinship Māori have with the natural world.
Teina’s approach to the circular economy is holistic, combining scientific knowledge with cultural wisdom to create sustainable and inclusive solutions.
An Indigenous Māori View of Doughnut Economics
This presentation explores the foundational principles of Te Takarangi, emphasising the interconnectedness of all life forms and the importance of balance and reciprocity in ecological practices. By reinterpreting the Doughnut Economics model from a Māori perspective, Teina and her collaborators have created a framework that ensures sustainability solutions are inclusive, diverse, and equitable.
Māori Cultural Values: Understanding how indigenous principles guide sustainable practices.
Doughnut Economics: Adapting Kate Raworth’s model to reflect New Zealand’s unique social and environmental context.
Community Engagement: Implementing circular economy practices within Māori communities to achieve social justice and environmental sustainability.
Policy and Governance: Integrating indigenous perspectives into national waste strategies and climate change initiatives.
Te Takarangi not only provides a blueprint for sustainable development but also highlights the critical role of indigenous knowledge in addressing global environmental challenges.
Presentation | 10am Wednesday 9 October
Plenary Keynote Speaker
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