Indigenous communities across the globe have a strong connection to the sea. It is what has nourished, nurtured, and sustained many communities for centuries. It is no different in the Pacific, with this vast expanse of water the dominant feature.
The traditional way in which community interact and continue to seek their sustenance is changing. This is being heavily influenced by factors such as Global warming, overfishing- and pollution. Many indigenous communities across the Pacific, like Aotearoa New Zealand are adopting change through the adaptation of many of their traditional practices.
This paper highlights the unique relationship indigenous communities have with the Moana (Sea Country) from the traditional, through to more recent adaptations and interactions. Important contributors will be the sustainable management practices employed by the generations to preserve and conserve this most significant resource and the impact the changing climate is having on their ability to maintain their cultural identity and integrity as traditional sea custodians.
Māori have well-established protocols that guide their relationships and interactions with the Moana and include principles of Tikanga/Kawa (customs and protocols), Rangatiratanga (empowerment leadership), Manaakitanga (hospitality), Kaitiakitanga (guardianship), Whanaungatanga (relationships) and Tohungatanga (expertise).