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The Wai 262 claim marked the beginning of our journey to protect taonga Māori.
Lodged in 1991 by six visionary leaders, this claim called for the protection and conservation of native plants, animals, their genetic resources, and the traditional knowledge tied to them. This historic claim set the foundation for safeguarding taonga and ensuring their preservation for generations to come.
Tiaki Taonga is the movement shaping the future of taonga protection.
Built on the foundation of Wai 262, Tiaki Taonga is a growing movement empowering Māori to lead the care and protection of their taonga today. It connects iwi, hapū, and whānau in to safeguard mātauranga, te reo, and taonga tuku iho, creating a united effort to safeguard these taonga for the generations to come – continuing the legacy of Wai 262.
About the Movement
For te iwi Māori, Tiaki Taonga speaks to the duty of those who have taonga to protect, and it welcomes in Tangata Tiriti who see value in protecting taonga.
We know that kaitaiki across the motu already work tirelessly to protect taonga. We also know that there is strength in numbers and longevity in legislation. With your support, this tikanga led protection framework will tautoko you and your mahi in protecting your taonga, the Māori way.
We are on a mission to strengthen te here kaitiaki taonga across Aotearoa. Our vision is for whānau, hapū and iwi as kaitiaki to have full and exclusive decision-making authority to taonga Māori, as guaranteed by Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
Our future is taonga and mātauranga protection, governed by tikanga and kawa – determined by those who whakapapa to the taonga and have the obligation to protect it.
Voices of the Movement
Latest News
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Tiaki Taonga Framework
Tiaki Taonga builds on the legacy of Wai 262, standing to become the world’s first Indigenous framework for the protection of taonga Māori and mātauranga Māori. This framework will be activated whenever taonga or mātauranga is used, ensuring that their care and application are guided by the appropriate tikanga and kawa.
Proposed Framework
The intention is that the framework will be implemented by way of legislation and supported by a network of solutions including:
- Codes of Conduct
Setting ethical standards for engagement with taonga and mātauranga.
- Research Guidelines
Ensuring Māori retain control over research involving taonga and mātauranga.
- Educational Material
Empowering individuals and organisations to understand and uphold the principles of taonga protection.
- Contractual Provisions
Establishing legal agreements that align with tikanga Māori.
Contribute to the wānanga through our Kanohi Ora engagements
The development of Tiaki Taonga is being shaped by insights gathered through Kanohi Ora engagement. This national conversation invites all Māori to contribute their whakaaro and mātauranga to ensure the framework is grounded in diverse perspectives and collective wisdom. Engagement will continue through 2025 – See upcoming engagements here.
Join the Movement
Your taonga is your legacy. Whether it’s something from your kāinga, a treasure shared by your whānau, hapū, or iwi, or a unique part of your rohe, Tiaki Taonga is for you. Together we can ensure the protection of our taonga for generations to come.
Add your details here to join our database and receive regular updates. You can optionally also share a message with our team.
