He Panui Whāinga | Statement of Intent

Ko ngā tapuwae tuku iho, ko te huarahi manawapou

Follow the footsteps of our ancestors to sustain humanity

E Whakaae ana Mātou | We acknowledge

As a Tangata Tiriti organisation, we acknowledge He Whakaputanga o te Rangatiratanga and the articles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi as living, foundational agreements between tangata whenua (Māori) and tangata tiriti (non-Māori). We acknowledge that Te Tiriti affirmed tino rangatiratanga (Māori sovereignty) and their ongoing role as kaitiaki (guardians) of the environment.

We acknowledge that the waste and climate crises are symptoms of a linear, extractive economic system that disregards both the natural world and Indigenous rights. Central to this are systems of power and ideology — including colonisation, capitalism, and consumerism — that continue to disrupt long standing Māori relationships with te taiao.

Upholding Te Tiriti and supporting Indigenous self-determination and kaitiakitanga are essential to addressing the root causes of the waste and climate crises, and to building a truly just and regenerative zero-waste future.

This statement of intent outlines our commitment to Te Tiriti justice in governance and operational practice.

Matou Whakaaro | Our intention

Zero Waste Aotearoa will:

Develop and incorporate values, processes and tikanga that reflect our intent
Work with Tangata Whenua to protect and restore Papatūānuku and Ranginui for the wellbeing of our tamariki mokopuna.
Model allyship, partnership and reciprocal relationships between tangata whenua and tangata tiriti.
Commit to continuous education, growth, and development in our knowledge and understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, matauranga and te reo māori

Matou Tūāpapa | Our Foundation

The foundation of our Statement of Intent is Te Tiriti o Waitangi — a living agreement that affirms tino rangatiratanga and the role of Māori as kaitiaki of te taiao. Our foundation also rests on our values, which guide how we embody our responsibilities as Tangata Tiriti, challenge systems of injustice, and centre Indigenous knowledge in our pursuit of a zero-waste future.

Mahi Ngatāhi | Partnership:

We challenge ourselves to embed Te Tiriti o Waitangi in our work by embracing Tino rangatiratanga, ensuring Tangata Whenua have a voice in decision making and leadership, and we support their aspirations.

Build and nurture relationships and partnerships with tangata whenua para kore advocates
Participate in marae led initiatives and support tangata whenua priorities
Amplify the messages of tangata whenua para kore advocates
Share and cede power and resources where we can.

Whakaharatau | Practice:

We create and implement effective real-world solutions to achieve zero waste, elevating indigenous ways of knowing and being, including matauranga Māori and tikanga

Utilise te reo, a taonga gifted to our nation
Utilise waiata and karakia as a way of using te reo and practicing tikanga
Support our team and our members to have a greater understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi
Support our team to learn Matauranga Māori in relation to waste minimisation practices
Have respect for and adherence to tapu and noa tikanga
Promote the development of energy saving, resource minimisation and water saving methods which supports the abundance of Papatuanuku and Ranginui
Weave tangata whenua work practices and values in our planning, processes, and procedures.

Whakaaetanga | Perseverance:

We commit ourselves to building an abundant, regenerative, peaceful, just and fair world for our mokopuna and future generations.

Promote the reduction of consumption that drives exploitation of the resource from Te Taiao
Create a pathway for our tamariki and mokopuna to become future Kaitiaki of our planet
Be an active advocate and ally for Maori aspirations.
Advocate for respecting the value, the beauty and the mauri of the materials that exist in Te Ao Maori.

Raranga Mahi | Collaboration:

We work collaboratively sharing ideas, resources and opportunities whilst weaving tangata whenua ways of being and knowing into our everyday practice.

Make a commitment to actively uphold, educate and advocate for Te Tiriti justice.
Continue to recruit and engage tangata whenua to reflect a genuine partnership relationship throughout our organisation.
Investigate how we can support the position of whanau, hapu and Iwi on issues relative to our kaupapa.
Learn from the experiences of others working with Tangata Whenua to promote genuine engagement
Promote the use of Marae as places of learning, engaging, and participating in Te Ao Maori activities
Invite tangata whenua to be our keynote speakers and share their expertise in Te Taiao mahi.