By Nic RawlenceSenior Lecturer in Ancient DNA, University of Otago, Kerry WaltonResearcher, University of Otago and Richard WalterProfessor of Archaeology, University of Otago Dunedin, Jan 9 (The Conversation) Aotearoa’s wilderness areas are the jewel in our ecotourism crown. But conservation laws may soon be in for a radical shake-up. Recent proposals would, among other things, allow Māori to resume traditional harvesting practices (mahinga kai) on conservation land. This has elicited heated emotions from some conservationists, who fear that biodiversity protection will be compromised, as well as from proponents of mahinga kai, who have been alienated from their traditional lands and customs for more than 130 years. What does this all mean for our native species? The times are a-changing Article Two of Te Tiriti o Waitangi guaranteed Māori authority over natural resources. But, with government-administered and legally enforced “no take” policies covering most conservation land and native species, it is little wonder that many Māori feel alienated from their traditional lands and practices.
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