Mana whenua

Mana whenua refers to the indigenous Māori people's authority and connection to the land they have traditionally occupied and managed. It encompasses their cultural, spiritual, and ancestral ties, giving them the right to oversee, protect, and make decisions about that land. This concept recognizes Māori sovereignty and their ongoing relationship with their whenua (land), emphasizing respect, stewardship, and a deep sense of identity rooted in their history and environment. In practical terms, mana whenua often involves Māori participation and leadership in land use, environmental management, and local decision-making processes.