Māori relationships with land and resources

Māori have a deep spiritual and cultural connection to land and resources, viewing them as ancestors and gifts that must be cared for responsibly. The land (whenua) is considered wāhi tapu (sacred), integral to identity and well-being. Resources like water and forests are seen as shared taonga (treasures), to be sustainably managed for current and future generations. This relationship emphasizes stewardship, respect, and reciprocal responsibility, shaping Māori approaches to land use, conservation, and resource management within a framework of traditional values and modern laws.