RA3 - Hapū Solutions for Myrtle Rust

Myrtle rust, caused by the fungus Austropuccinia psidii, poses a significant threat to Aotearoa New Zealand's native Myrtaceae species, including culturally significant plants like pōhutukawa, mānuka, and rātā. Recognising the importance of indigenous knowledge in addressing this biosecurity challenge, Māori communities pre-emptively initiated research projects into the development of culturally grounded solutions to manage and mitigate the impact of myrtle rust.

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Origins of the Research Project

 

In 2018 the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) commissioned research into myrtle rust (Austropuccinia psidii) to address critical knowledge gaps in cultural, social and scientific knowledge relating to the management of myrtle rust in New Zealand (MPI Project 18607). A Te Ao Māori research theme was prioritised to engage Māori within the research, and then to provide an understanding of the cultural impacts and mātauranga (knowledge) that could help inform the current and future management of myrtle rust in New Zealand. This programme of work won the NZ Biosecurity Science award in 2019.

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"Hapū Led Solutions to Myrtle Rust" was included in the Oranga programme at the request of the funder to continue the work that commenced back in 2018. It emerged from the understanding that Māori, as kaitiaki (guardians) of the land, possess valuable mātauranga (knowledge) and tikanga (customs) that can contribute to biosecurity responses. The central hypothesis being that empowering mana whenua (local Māori) with knowledge about myrtle rust and integrating traditional practices with contemporary science will enhance the resilience of native ecosystems against the disease. This aligns very strongly with the “Waka Hourua” philosophy, the analogy being that of a multi hulled waka (two systems) working in unison to achieve integrated outcomes that utilise two knowledge systems for a common good or benefit.

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Testing the idea: Linking mātauranga-based solutions to ecosystem health

Māori have long used ritenga (customs, laws, and protocols) and whakapapa (the interconnectedness of species within ecosystems) to protect both biodiversity and agricultural systems from pests and pathogens. The rapid rise in species introductions to New Zealand in the 21st century has posed significant challenges to Māori livelihoods and cultural integrity.

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This research focuses on preparing Aotearoa for the long-term impacts of myrtle rust, exploring its economic, environmental, and socio-cultural effects on Māori communities, their responses to the threat, and the integration of mātauranga Māori in managing the issue.

Māori have deep cultural and practical connections with indigenous Myrtaceae species, using them for medicine, construction, and food. These species are considered tāonga, and the Māori relationship with them embodies kaitiakitanga (guardianship), maramataka (the Māori lunar calendar), and whanaungatanga (relationships and kinship), honed over 40 generations.

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The project aims to address the responses of hapū, iwi, and Māori organizations to the threats posed by myrtle rust, emphasizing collaborative research with Māori communities, scientists, and agencies like the Department of Conservation. Central to this work is the sharing of knowledge between mana whenua and researchers to build capacity, enhance understanding of myrtle rust, and support community-driven education.

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Developing 'Hāpu-led Solutions to Myrtle Rust'

When contracted to develop the Oranga programme, the funder requested a project of this title be developed and that it picked up where previous research and community programmes had ended in 2017/18. Hapū-led solutions to myrtle rust was developed by Alby Marsh, Roanne Sutherland and Waitangi Wood for the Oranga programme. It was subcontracted out to a private provider and given approximately 16% of the Oranga budget.

A core aspect of the project was the integration of Mātauranga Māori (traditional knowledge) alongside contemporary science, highlighting the importance of Māori involvement in the Myrtle Rust research programme. The project brought together a diverse team from various organizations, all with extensive experience in Māori engagement and research, some for over five years. Our collective expertise in Māori research design, including Kaupapa Māori methodologies, community engagement, strategic decision-making, and systems thinking, enriched the project and ensured the inclusion of Māori perspectives.

By aligning with Kaupapa Māori research principles, we aimed to empower Māori researchers, communities, and stakeholders to actively contribute to the development and implementation of the programme. This approach not only honors the value of traditional knowledge but also strengthens its relevance in contemporary science, fostering a collaborative and holistic response to emerging environmental challenges like myrtle rust.

The primary objectives of the project were centered around empowering Māori communities and integrating Mātauranga Māori (traditional knowledge) into contemporary science practices, particularly in response to the myrtle rust threat. These objectives aimed to create a sustainable and culturally informed approach to biosecurity management.

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Capacity Building: A key objective was to equip Māori communities with the technical skills, biosecurity tools, and scientific knowledge needed to recognize myrtle rust and its host species. This included understanding the pathogen’s lifecycle, identifying its early signs, and effectively implementing surveillance and reporting mechanisms. By building capacity in these areas, the project aimed to strengthen the communities' ability to manage biosecurity risks independently while supporting the broader scientific community’s efforts.

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Collaboration with Mātauranga Māori: The project sought to integrate Mātauranga Māori with modern scientific research to create a holistic approach to myrtle rust management. This involved aligning traditional ecological knowledge—gained over generations of close relationship with the land—with contemporary biosecurity strategies. By synthesizing Māori perspectives with scientific knowledge, the project ensured that management strategies were not only effective in addressing myrtle rust but were also culturally relevant and respectful of Māori values and practices.

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Community Empowerment: Another important objective was to empower Māori communities by fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility in managing biosecurity threats. The project reinforced the critical role of Māori as kaitiaki (guardians) of the environment, ensuring that they were active participants in protecting their natural resources. This approach also explored various modes of knowledge transfer, from formal educational settings to more informal, community-led approaches, ensuring that knowledge was shared in ways that were accessible and meaningful to all involved.

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Methodology

To achieve these objectives, the project utilised a range of methodologies designed to facilitate collaboration, knowledge sharing, and community-driven solutions.

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Place-Based Learning: Training sessions were held in regions impacted by myrtle rust, incorporating local tikanga (customs) to foster strong, culturally grounded relationships with participants. The sessions combined classroom presentations with field-based learning, videos, and handouts to address different learning styles and make the information more accessible. This approach helped ensure that the training was not only scientifically rigorous but also connected to the communities' lived experiences and cultural contexts.

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Community Engagement: The project placed significant emphasis on community engagement by facilitating discussions in both Māori cultural spaces and scientific research settings. These discussions allowed communities to share knowledge, voice concerns, and contribute ideas for developing localized strategies to manage myrtle rust. This collaborative process ensured that solutions were tailored to the specific needs and conditions of different regions, drawing on both traditional ecological knowledge and contemporary scientific research.

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Knowledge Transfer: One of the key elements of the project was the transfer of knowledge regarding myrtle rust and its management. This included training communities on how to identify myrtle rust and its host species, understand the pathogen's lifecycle, and implement effective surveillance and reporting methods. The project also provided practical tools for identifying early signs of the disease and guided communities in taking appropriate actions to mitigate its spread.

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Tool Development: A crucial part of the project was the development of tools and frameworks to capture and document traditional ecological knowledge. This involved working with Māori environmental practitioners to record observations, practices, and insights related to managing areas at risk of myrtle rust incursion. These tools were designed to integrate traditional knowledge with scientific data, enhancing the overall understanding of the environmental impacts of myrtle rust and supporting more effective, culturally informed management strategies.

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In summary, the project combined scientific research with Māori knowledge, fostering collaboration, empowerment, and capacity building in ways that respected and utilized both traditional and contemporary approaches to environmental stewardship.

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