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Sunflower at Katere ki te Moana marae We are thrilled to reflect on the enriching experiences shared during our wānanga today, where whānau united to deepen our understanding and commitment to the Te Taiao kaupapa. This gathering was not just a hui; it was a celebration of our collective journey and the unique narratives that drive our passion for restoring the mana and mauri to our whenua- particularly through land-management use change and transforming kai and wai systems as paramount in the journey. At the heart of our korero was a shared commitment to effectively addressing critical issues related to wai (water) and kai (food systems) as we transition towards a low-emissions future. Participants engaged in meaningful conversations that highlighted the strategic advantages of pooling our resources and insights. By coming together, we are empowered to tackle challenges more effectively, reinforcing our collective resilience and enhancing our decision-making processes. Some key takeaways from the wānanga included a renewed dedication to the principles of Te Taiao. This shared commitment serves as our guiding light, ensuring that our efforts remain focused on nurturing our environment and supporting sustainable practices. The power of a united strategy was also evident; by working collaboratively, we can leverage our combined strengths and perspectives to develop innovative solutions that align with our aspirations. As we move forward, the insights gathered during the wānanga will be invaluable in shaping our framework and fostering an environment where collaborative efforts can thrive. Together, we are committed to building local resilience and supporting solutions that benefit our entire region. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all participants for their contributions and for reaffirming our shared vision. The journey does not end here; rather, it marks the beginning of an exciting chapter in our collective commitment to Te Taiao. Let us continue to support one another as we work towards a sustainable and nourishing future for generations to come. For updates on our initiatives, and stay connected, here . Together, we are creating a legacy of care, commitment, and connection to our land!

Earth Day 2025 - Our Power, Our Planet Today we celebrate 55 years of Earth Day — a moment to reflect on our collective journey in protecting te Taiao (the environment) and to renew our commitment to sustainable practices. This year’s theme, "Our Power, Our Planet," holds particular significance for us here in Aotearoa New Zealand, where the values of kaitiakitanga guide us in caring for our land, sea, and sky. Across the country, communities are embracing renewable energy, striving to triple clean electricity generation by 2030. This ambitious goal aligns with our shared responsibility to combat climate change and ensure a thriving future for generations to come. Initiatives like those led by Rautāpatu exemplify this spirit, combining Te Ao Māori perspectives with innovative solutions that promote a circular economy. Their work is a powerful reminder of the value of indigenous leadership in shaping a sustainable path forward. Today, we also celebrate the inspiring discussions held at the He Kāhui Mano Tribal Summit, where leaders explored how to integrate cultural authenticity and environmental stewardship. These conversations echo the message of Earth Day: that we hold the power to create a harmonious future when we act together. Let's acknowledge the small and large steps we can take to protect our environment. From installing solar panels to supporting local regenerative agriculture, or even reducing single-use plastics in our daily lives, every action counts. For practical tips and inspiration, explore Earth Day resources at Earth Day Activities & Resources. Earth Day reminds us that our choices today shape the future of our planet. By embracing the theme, "Our Power, Our Planet," let us stand together as guardians of Papatūānuku, ensuring a legacy of care, resilience, and balance for all who call this world home.

30 May 2025 The Rautāpatu Foundation is thrilled to announce the upcoming launch of the Kai Strategy Project in August 2025. This project is dedicated to transforming the way we approach food systems, drawn from the deep roots of mātauranga Māori, scientific innovation, and community resilience. Our Vision The Kai Strategy Project aims to revitalise local kai systems with a focus on sustainability and cultural sovereignty. By engaging directly with Māori communities, we’re fostering an environment where local insights and aspirations lead the way. This initiative recognises the intricate challenges of food production, security, and sustainability while promoting a holistic, mana-centred response. Core Principles Kai Sovereignty: Strengthening Māori leadership in managing kai systems that honour ancestral knowledge and community values. Resilience and Sustainability: Embedding Taiao-centric approaches to ensure our food systems are robust and able to withstand environmental challenges. Collaboration and Community Engagement: Building trust and long-term partnerships, affirming our commitment to communal wellbeing. Our focus is on both Marae, Food System Actors and change-maker communities. Building Partnerships Building strong partnerships is essential to our success. We are proud to be partnering with AgResearch and Pūrangakura, with invaluable support from the TOI Foundation. These collaborations enhance our capacity to deliver impactful change and ensure that the Kai Strategy Project thrives within and beyond our community. During the Engagement phase we will be building an ecosystem of partnerships and networks to connect the dots and celebrate our whananungatanga. What’s Next? Through this project, we aim to illuminate pathways that enhance the accessibility and affordability of nutritious food for whānau in Taranaki. By designing a collaborative and transformative model, we’re working to empower communities, develop capacity, and foster a sense of ownership towards kai motuhake. Stay connected for more updates on how you can get involved and support this community-led journey towards a sustainable and equitable food system in Taranaki. Together, let's grow a future where kai not only sustains but also enriches us all. Visit the landing page and sign up to keep in the loop.

As we celebrate World Localisation Day 21 June 2025, the significance of reconnecting with our local resources and cultural practices takes on a deeper meaning, especially for us as indigenous Māori in Taranaki. This year, we are proud to align our celebrations with our ongoing initiatives at Rautāpatu, particularly our Te Taiao Strategy focusing on the circular economy and our upcoming Mana-Centred Food Systems strategy set to launch in July.   Localisation is not just a buzzword; it is a vital approach to building resilient communities. Our intergenerational Te Taiao Strategy emphasises the importance of sustainable practices that honour our ancestors and the natural systems we belong to. By implementing circular economy principles, we aim to create a closed-loop system, minimising waste while maximising the use of local resources. Our charitable initiatives, such as our Maara Kai and Kai Boxes, are crucial components of this strategy. These efforts not only provide fresh, healthy food for whānau but also empower our rangatahi and communities to take an active role in their food production and mātauranga Māori (wisdom).   The creation of free Kai Boxes and gifting of kai, has been a profound joy for us to support families, schools, and community events to access fresh produce, that embodies our commitment to localisation and regenerative practices. These boxes serve as a tangible connection between our people and the land, fostering a sense of belonging and responsibility towards our environment. They encourage sustainable consumption patterns and highlight the importance of seasonal, locally sourced kai (food) within our communities.   As we prepare for the launch of our Mana-Centred Food Systems strategy, we are excited to integrate our teachings and values with modern approaches to food production and distribution. This strategy aligns with the principles of World Localisation Day by advocating for food sovereignty and community resilience. It aims to provide whānau with not only the knowledge of traditional practices but also the tools to thrive in contemporary society.   Engaging with schools and rangatahi is essential for nurturing the next generation of leaders in our local food systems. Through workshops, educational programmes, and hands-on experiences, we are committed to instilling the values of sustainability and localism in young people. This engagement fosters a deeper understanding of our cultural identity, the significance of our land, and the importance of supporting local economies.   As we reflect on our collective journey during World Localisation Day, let us remember that our efforts to localise our food systems and embrace circular practices are rooted in our history as Māori people. By prioritising local solutions and reconnecting with our traditional ways of knowing, we can build a future that respects our heritage while meeting the challenges of today.   Together, we invite you to join us in this vital journey towards sustainability, resilience, and empowerment. Visit Local Futures to learn more about the global movement and continue to engage with our local initiatives. By supporting one another and the environment, we can celebrate our cultural heritage and ensure that our food systems are vibrant and sustainable for generations to come.   Let’s come together as whānau and community, embracing the essence of local, mana-centred food systems, and celebrating the importance of World Localisation Day! #WorldLocalisationDay

Earth Overshoot Day marks the moment when humanity’s demand on ecological resources exceeds what the planet can regenerate in a year. In 2025, that global milestone landed on 24 July , but  New Zealand’s overshoot came even earlier, on 30 April. If everyone in Aotearoa lived like the average Kiwi, we’d need nearly three planets  to sustain our current lifestyle. This isn’t just an environmental issue - it’s about how we design our homes, grow our food, move around, and work together. It’s a call for systemic change and at Rautāpatu, we are answering it with Indigenous leadership, a regenerative mindset, and a circular economy for Aotearoa.   What Overshoot Means and Why It Matters? Overshoot happens when our ecological footprint grows faster than the planet’s ability to replenish resources. When we overshoot, forests, biodiversity, water quality, and climate stability suffer. In New Zealand, factors like energy and transport choices, farming, construction, and urban design shape the footprint. By shifting to renewable energy, smarter land use, circular production, and low-emission transport, New Zealand, and organisations like Rautāpatu, can lead a more resilient, fair path forward.   Rautāpatu: Indigenous Leadership at the Heart of a Circular Economy Rautāpatu is an Indigenous-led organisation that centres Indigenous knowledge to co-create climate, culture, and community solutions. Since 2022, we’ve joined a global movement toward regenerative, distributive economies that work within the living planet’s means. Our name embodies thriving and a commitment to addressing colonial harms; over the next decade, we aim to reverse climate change, strengthen communities, and grow a productive circular economy. This vision guides our five pathways and our practice of Te Taiao, the living environment, through partnerships, knowledge, and innovation.   Five Pathways That Shape Our Strategy (2024–2029) Our Taiao Strategy centres on five interconnected pathways, each rooted in Indigenous values and aimed at systemic change: Te Taiao: Place the living environment at the centre of decisions, honouring the link between people, land, and kai (food). This pathway anchors Te Ao Māori perspectives and ecological stewardship. Circular Economy: Reduce waste, reuse materials, and grow a network of circular businesses that reveal new revenue streams and sustainable models. Kai Resilience: Strengthen food systems to improve resilience, transform how kai is grown, moved, eaten, and disposed of—now and for the future. Partnership Development: Build deep partnerships with whānau, hapū, businesses, NGOs, and government to accelerate system-wide change and share knowledge and practice. Mātauranga Māori and Innovation: Elevate Indigenous knowledge alongside science to drive innovative, culturally responsive solutions.   From Strategy to Action: Five-year Focus and Concrete Objectives Over the next five years, we’ll turn these pathways into practical outcomes: Profitability through Circularity: Develop new revenue streams and business models (e.g., product-as-a-service) that align with circular principles and benefit the local economy. Resource Recovery: Reduce organic waste and increase recycling and reuse, cutting reliance on single-use products in food systems and on whenua inputs. Kai Resilience: Create regenerative landscapes and transform kai production, transport, and consumption for lasting resilience. Māori-Agri-Business and Food/Fibre Sector Transformation: Lead climate-smart farming and industry practices to lower emissions and strengthen community resilience. These pathways sit within a broader network of partnerships and system thinking across the supply chain, staying true to our core values and the founders’ vision. (Source: Business Plan, 2024–2029)   Why This Matters for New Zealand: The Numbers Behind the Need for Change New Zealand’s overshoot reality highlights the urgency of systemic change. Examples from 2025 include high consumer spending signalling strong demand for goods and services that drive resource use and waste without circular practices. The construction sector accounts for roughly half of landfill waste in NZ, underscoring the scale of change needed in materials reuse and waste reduction. NZ also has one of the highest residential floor areas per person, raising material and energy demands, while transport—especially private cars—remains a major emissions source. Agriculture adds pressure with methane and nutrient runoff. Our work offers place-based, practical responses that centre Indigenous knowledge and collaborative governance. (Source: Business Plan, 2024–2029)   Turning the Tide: Practical Paths Forward for Aotearoa To reverse overshoot, New Zealand can rethink urban design, energy, food systems, and circular business models. Rautāpatu’s approach aligns with this direction through: Accelerating renewable energy adoption and electrifying transport, supported by Indigenous-led partnerships and community-driven projects. Supporting regenerative agriculture and reforesting native ecosystems to restore soil health, water quality, and biodiversity. Designing compact, efficient cities with strong public transport to reduce energy intensity and waste. Shifting toward plant-based diets and reducing food waste, while expanding circular value chains in the food and fibre sectors. Embedding circular economy principles through education, training, and a network of collaborators to scale Indigenous enterprise and knowledge sharing.   Aotearoa is at a crossroads, and we need a path forward rooted in Te Taiao in order to reverse the overshoot requires bold, systemic change reimagining how we design cities, manage land, and govern resources. It also calls for a cultural shift that centres Te Taiao, kaitiakitanga (guardianship), and reciprocity, so Indigenous knowledge and science can co-create resilient, regenerative futures. Elevating these values in policy, education, and everyday practice can position Aotearoa as a global leader in a truly regenerative economy.   Join Us on the Journey If you share our commitment to Indigenous-led, circular, regenerative economy, we’d love to talk. Rautāpatu is building partnerships with communities, businesses, and government to accelerate practical, scalable solutions that protect people and the planet. Learn more at rautapatu.nz and reach out to discuss collaborations, co-designs, or opportunities to implement regenerative principles in your organisation.

Spring in Taranaki is a time of renewal, the whenua breathes, the gardens stir, and the urge to declutter rises with the sun. From 2–6 September, Zero Waste Week  invites us to do more than clean out the garage. It’s a chance to reimagine our relationship with waste, rethink what we consume, and reconnect with the values of kaitiakitanga  and whanaungatanga that underpin sustainable living. Zero Waste Week isn’t about perfection. It’s about progress. It’s about asking: What can I do, right here, right now, to reduce waste and restore balance?   Whether you’re a household, a business, a kura, or a marae, small changes, made consistently, ripple outward. They shape habits, shift systems, and strengthen communities. 🌿 What Does “Zero Waste” Really Mean? At its heart, zero waste  is a philosophy that aims to redesign the way we produce and consume. It’s not just about recycling - it’s about refusing , reducing , reusing , repairing , and rethinking . It’s about closing the loop so that resources are valued, not discarded. In te ao Māori, this thinking is deeply embedded. The concept of kaitiakitanga  reminds us that we are guardians of the natural world, not owners. Waste is not just a physical problem it’s a relational one. When we waste, we disconnect from whakapapa, from the whenua, and from each other. 🧺 Everyday Actions That Add Up You don’t need to overhaul your life overnight. Here are practical, achievable actions  you can take during Zero Waste Week, and beyond: 🥕 In the Kitchen Start a kai audit : Track what food gets thrown out and why. Are you overbuying? Forgetting leftovers? Embrace composting : Whether it’s a worm farm, bokashi bin, or backyard pile, composting transforms scraps into soil. Plan meals : Use what you have before buying more. Apps like Love Food Hate Waste NZ  offer great tips. Preserve seasonal produce : Pickling, fermenting, and freezing reduce waste and extend kai life. 🛍️ When Shopping Bring your own containers : Many bulk stores and butchers welcome BYO jars and bags. Choose unpackaged produce : Skip the plastic-wrapped apples, nature already gave them skin. Support local makers : Handmade, durable goods often come with less packaging and more heart. Say no to freebies : Decline promotional items you don’t need, they often end up as clutter. 👕 In Your Wardrobe Host a clothing swap : Gather friends or whānau and trade garments instead of buying new. Learn basic mending : A needle and thread can save a favourite item from landfill. Buy secondhand : Op shops, vintage stores, and online marketplaces are treasure troves. Wash less, air more : Reducing laundry saves water and extends clothing life. 📦 At Work or School Set up a reuse station : Collect folders, pens, and paper that can be reused. Go digital : Reduce printing by using shared drives and online tools. Audit your waste : What’s being thrown out? What could be reused or recycled? Celebrate wins : Share progress with your team or class, it builds momentum. 🌱 Te Ao Māori and Circular Wisdom Zero Waste Week is a powerful moment to uplift indigenous knowledge systems  that have long practiced circularity. In Taranaki, many marae are leading the way, composting food scraps, growing maara kai, and hosting repair workshops. The concept of whakapapa  reminds us that everything has a lineage. When we throw something “away,” we sever that connection. But when we reuse, repair, or return it to the earth, we honour its journey. Consider weaving these ideas into your week: Share pūrākau  about resourcefulness and resilience Host a wānanga  on sustainable kai systems Explore atua connections  to the natural world, like Papatūānuku, Tangaroa, and Haumiatiketike 🔄 Circular Solutions in Taranaki: Rautāpatu Leading the Way In Taranaki, the shift toward zero waste is more than a trend - it’s a movement grounded in whakapapa, community, and climate resilience. At the heart of this transformation is Rautāpatu , a kaupapa Māori-led organisation dedicated to co-creating solutions that honour both people and planet. Rautāpatu’s work is rooted in the belief that indigenous knowledge systems  hold the key to building a truly productive circular economy, one that regenerates rather than extracts, that connects rather than consumes. Through a blend of systems thinking , storytelling , and community engagement , Rautāpatu is helping reshape how we think about waste, value, and responsibility. As part of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation  Community, Rautāpatu contributes to global conversations around circularity while remaining deeply grounded in local action. The organisation’s mahi spans climate strategy, kai sovereignty, and regenerative design, all woven together by the threads of whanaungatanga ,  manaakitanga , and kaitiakitanga. This Zero Waste Week, we invite you to support and amplify this work. Here are some ways to get involved: Learn about circular systems : Explore how whakapapa-based design can transform waste into value Host a kōrero : Bring your whānau, workplace, or marae together to discuss local solutions Share your story : Whether you’re composting, repairing, or rethinking your consumption, your journey matters Support kaupapa Māori-led initiatives : Engage with Rautāpatu’s resources, events, and community mahi Advocate for systems change : Encourage local councils and institutions to embed circular principles in policy and practice Zero waste isn’t just about what we throw away, it’s about what we choose to carry forward. It’s about restoring balance with Te Taiao, uplifting indigenous leadership, and building futures that honour both our ancestors and our mokopuna. 🌏 Global Movement, Local Impact Zero Waste Week is part of a global push to rethink waste. From Plastic Free July  to the International Day of Zero Waste  (30 March), the momentum is growing. But the most powerful changes happen locally. When a kura starts composting, when a whānau switches to reusable nappies, when a business rethinks packaging, that’s where transformation begins. 🧡 Final Thoughts: Progress, Not Perfection Zero Waste Week isn’t about guilt. It’s about empowerment . It’s about seeing waste not as an inevitable byproduct of modern life, but as a design flaw we can fix together. So whether you’re composting for the first time or leading a community initiative, your actions matter. They ripple outward. They inspire others. They restore balance. Let’s make this week count, not just in bins emptied, but in hearts stirred.

The 8th edition of the Adaptation Futures Conference [AF2025] is set to take place in Ōtautahi Christchurch, from 13 to 16 October 2025. This global event is being organised by the University of Canterbury Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha, in collaboration with partners from Oceania and beyond. Recognized as the leading conference under the United Nations World Adaptation Science Programme [WASP] , Adaptation Futures serves as a vital platform for advancing climate change adaptation. The gathering brings together a diverse mix of professionals; policy experts, researchers, academics, and practitioners from around the world to exchange ideas, build partnerships, and spark innovation in the field of climate resilience. Rautāpatu Foundation is proud to be participating in three components of the conference: A Paper Presentation, an interactive workshop, and a poster display. Monday to Wednesday Poster Presentation An introduction to our kaupapa Monday 13th October 1.30 - 3.30 Session Indigenous Innovation and Leadership - Intergenerational Learning Bry and Glen will make a Paper Presentation about Indigenous Wisdom Guides Contemporary Climate Adaptation Strategies Tuesday 14th October 8am - 10am Session Health, Wellbeing, and Future Generations - Health Service Delivery Bry and Glen will facilitate an interactive He Kawa Ora: Empowering Personal and Community Renewal Through Indigenous Healing Frameworks workshop You can download a copy of the interactive programme here .

Repair Festival Aotearoa NZ: Celebrating Community, Sustainability, and Innovation 6-14 September 2025 At Rautāpatu, we are committed to elevating indigenous values and kaupapa Māori principles into innovative thinking that nurtures sustainability, community, and cultural strength. The upcoming Repair Festival Aotearoa NZ perfectly embodies this kaupapa, offering a powerful example of how traditional values and modern innovation can intersect to care for people, taonga, and the environment. From 6 to 14 September 2025, communities across Aotearoa New Zealand will come together for this week-long celebration that encourages us to rethink consumption, honour the value of repair, and celebrate the skill and mana of those who mend what is broken. At the heart of Repair Festival Aotearoa is a movement to elevate the practice of repair as a way to reduce waste, extend the life of treasured possessions, and strengthen community connections. The festival brings together grassroots communities, passionate volunteer experts, progressive businesses, and forward-thinking local councils. It is a perfect expression of whanaungatanga — nurturing ties between people through shared purpose and collective action. Repair cafés and pop-up events will be held nationwide, where people can bring in broken or damaged items, from electronics and appliances to clothing and furniture, for free repair or advice. These events are powered by local volunteers, experts, and craftspeople who generously share their skills to breathe new life into items otherwise destined for landfill. This festival aligns with Rautāpatu's commitment to elevating indigenous values within innovative thinking frameworks. Repair Festival Aotearoa offers a model for sustainable living grounded in care, respect, and reciprocity—for people, objects, and the environment. By embracing repair, we honour the stories embedded in objects and keep the circular flow of resources vibrant and alive. We encourage everyone in our Rautāpatu whānau and wider community to participate — whether by attending events, volunteering skills, or simply embracing the repair mindset in everyday life. Together, we can take practical steps toward a more sustainable and connected future, inspired by kaupapa Māori principles and innovative, regenerative thinking. For details on specific events near you, visit the official Repair Festival Aotearoa website. Let’s repair, renew, and reimagine a future where less is wasted and more is re-used. Kia kaha ki te whakangāhau i te taunakitanga me te kaitiakitanga o tō tātou ao.

Defashion is more than recycling... it is about thinking about source and end-of life for textiles. Anyone who knows me knows... I love clothes. I love shoes- truly. But I’ve been asking myself lately: do I love fashion? I always thought I did. The colours, the creativity, the way clothes can express personality. Yet, on reflection, what I really cherish is quality, good design, and connection to place-especially through local materials. The fashion industry as it stands often feels disconnected from these values. Too often, it promotes cheap, fast, and exploitative production methods that harm people and the planet alike. This dissonance has led me to consider the concept of “ de-fashion .” “ De-fashion ” is a powerful idea that challenges us to step away from the harmful cycles of mainstream fashion. Instead, it calls us to embrace a style rooted in respect for our earth, our cultures, and ourselves. It’s about elevating Indigenous and local values into how we create, wear, and live with clothes- celebrating craftsmanship and meaningful connection rather than consumption. It is more than recycling, it is thinking about 'source, life-cycle and end-of life'. This grosses me out! Did you know that global textile waste reaches around 92 million tonnes every year. This massive volume highlights the urgent need to rethink how we produce, consume, and dispose of clothing to reduce environmental harm. So, each calendar New year- I start off with a resolution- don't buy any new clothes (or shoes- I did have 120+ pairs at one stage- pre-kids), and see what happens... but a month in (around my birthday or clothing sales) I usually say to myself oh that'd be nice - next minute I fail and say- ok,next year! But, with our mahi at Rautāpatu I have had the privilege of seeing what our consumption patterns are doing to people and our planet. I am inspired by so many individuals and groups taking action on keeping products in use as long as possible- up-cycling and repairing, thinking about source, and waste and looking at how we used to create beautiful crafts from NZ wool and natural fibres. Now, you won't catch me knitting- but I totally appreciate it! More recently, I was inspired by a recent article on Resilience.org titled 'Why I've given up on fashion and why we need to build a new earth-centric culture' The author shares heartfelt reflections on abandoning conventional fashion to foster a culture that honours ecological and cultural wisdom. It’s a read I highly recommend if you’re curious about how our clothing choices intersect with deeper values and our responsibility to the world we live in. So, let’s start a conversation about how we can reimagine fashion—with intention, respect, and care. I invite you to explore this idea with your friends and whanau. Together, we can elevate a new way of dressing that honours the earth and the talents of artists and craftspeople in our communities keeping local traditions alive. Food for thought on hump-day! BK

Store Manager - All Heart Store Waitara As Ngāti Rāhiri uri, I grew up in Waitara, where I now live and work. I have previous careers in social work and journalism, and now manage the Waitara branch of the All Heart NZ organisation. It is a profit-for-purpose enterprise, which is part of the circular economy. By partnering with corporates and businesses, the All Heart kaupapa provides a redirection and resource recovery option, offering low-cost office supplies and homewares to communities, while creating jobs and opportunities for volunteers. Reflections of a small community's approach to the Circular Economy The goal to bring the All Heart NZ kaupapa to Waitara was a vision realised by Te Ara Hou Trust in November 2022. Almost two years on, the fledgling franchise is slowly gaining ground in terms of its profile and customer base. While there are ongoing challenges, there are also everyday successes. Store manager Deena Coster will share some of the highs and lows of trying to make a success out of a venture inspired by big goals in a small community like Waitara. Presentation | Monday 7 October Part of the Circular Economy in Action Series

Adjunct Research Fellow Te Kotahi Research Institute, University of Waikato Ngāti Pūkenga, Waitaha-ā-Hei, Ngāti Hauā Manu is a biotechnology entrepreneur, academic and activist. Manu has spearheaded a range of initiatives designed to benefit both Te Taiao and Māori communities including marae, hapū, iwi and Māori landowners, as patients, partners, and investors in novel medicines derived from taonga species. Manu co-founded Hikurangi Bioactives, a biotech venture focusing on natural health products derived from indigenous organisms like kānuka and kina. He also co-founded Rua Bioscience, which raised nearly $50 million before becoming the first company established by Māori to be listed on the NZX. Manu has supported the establishment of scholarship and internship programs for Māori graduates and is involved in Treaty-based regulatory developments for Indigenous organisms. Internationally, he recently participated in a UN meeting on biodiversity and ecosystem restoration, and in May 2024 was the only Māori member of the Indigenous Caucus at the World Intellectual Property Organisation Diplomatic Conference that finalised a global treaty to prevent biopiracy associated with patents that use genetic resources or traditional knowledge. Based between Tauranga and Ruatōrea, Manu believes the sustainable utilisation of taonga by Māori is one of the best opportunities to practice kaitiakitanga and realise tino rangatiratanga. To this end he is engaged in projects like: developing pharmaceuticals from an indigenous moss; a marae-based clinical study using psychedelic mushrooms to treat methamphetamine addiction; using Artificial Intelligence to identify potential health benefits of native berries; and global licensing of a clinically-proven eczema treatment using an extract from kānuka. Upending Extractive Capitalism : Giving Control of Companies to Te Taiao This presentation will share a number of recent case studies on efforts to put Nature and the interests of specific taonga at the centre of commercial enterprises. By giving legal control and explicit benefit-sharing arrangements to taonga through shareholdings and other financial arrangements, Capitalism can be a tool for funding the protection and regeneration of ecosystems while also creating income for landowners and employment for Indigenous communities. An emerging model of relationships between Indigenous peoples, researchers, commercial entities, genetic resources and ecological systems is proposed, with a discussion of some of the challenges and opportunities for further developments required to ensure a comprehensive model of ethical protection and utilisation can become common practice. Presentation | Wednesday 9 October Plenary Keynote Speaker

Pou Māori - Kore Hiakai Te Aitanga a Mahaki, Te Atiawa, mother, grandmother, sister, daughter – advocating and breathing in the kai sovereignty spaces. Learning and growing knowledge and ways in which we can connect with each other, with our taiao to create an Aotearoa where we build Te Tiriti grounded, long term, mana centered, sustainable solutions to ensure all people, at all times, have agency and access to enough nourishing, affordable, sustainably sourced, culturally appropriate food. Kai Motuhake If we want all our people to have dignified access to enough good food – we need an approach which recognises that food insecurity is experienced by people and our atua but driven by systems. All around Aotearoa, Hapu / Iwi and communities are striving to build resilient communities. Our collective knowledge is needed now more than ever. Join me as we korero together, to learn and express the issues and successes we are facing to achieve this. Highlighting the best examples of Kai Strategies for Realising kai secure communities in Aotearoa , we can explore the following: What are the key issues and considerations that successful communities you think communities are doing? Understand together, what are the top 5 Challenges and 5 Opportunities you see in your own communities to relieving hunger and building kai resilience Kotahitanga - where to from here? Collaboration for those wishing to work together in the future Our actions and commitment towards addressing Indigenous food insecurity and food sovereignty must also value the significant role food plays in healing ourselves and our whanau. Presentation | Wednesday 9 October Part of the Accelerator Sessions