Kaitiakitanga (Māori guardianship)

Kaitiakitanga is a Māori concept emphasizing the responsibility to care for and protect the environment, including land, water, and biodiversity, as a sacred duty. It reflects a holistic worldview where humans are part of nature, not separate from it. Guardians, or kaitiaki, are entrusted with ensuring that natural resources are sustainably managed for current and future generations. This ethic influences environmental practices and policies in New Zealand, fostering a deep respect for nature rooted in Māori cultural values and spiritual connection to the land and waters.