Indigenous knowledge and freshwater governance in Aotearoa New Zealand
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2025-07-06
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en
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This thesis examines the integration of mātauranga Māori in freshwater governance in Aotearoa New Zealand, exploring whether Indigenous knowledge is substantively embedded in institutional practices. Using a mixed-methods qualitative approach, the study analyzes policy documents, iwi environmental plans, and audiovisual sources across four domains: representation, governance, engagement, and influence. Findings indicate that while Māori worldviews are increasingly cited in environmental policy, their incorporation often remains symbolic. Crown-led governance structures continue to marginalize Māori authority, with consultation processes rarely leading to genuine co-decision-making. Structural influence is typically confined to isolated initiatives, such as iwi-led monitoring efforts. The thesis contributes to theoretical discussions on epistemic justice, legal pluralism, and decolonisation by illustrating how institutional inclusion can perpetuate unequal power dynamics. It introduces a conceptual framework positioning governance as a filtering system shaped by feedback loops that influence future engagement. The study calls for institutional reform that embeds binding Māori co-governance, supports tikanga-based monitoring, and fosters relational engagement. Future research should explore diverse Māori perspectives and assess how co-governance is operationalized in practice.
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Faculteit der Managementwetenschappen