In te ao Māori, the concept of non-living is understood in a unique way compared to Western perspectives. Rather than viewing entities as strictly living or non-living, Māori understanding of this concept acknowledges the whakapapa (interconnectedness) and mauri of all things. For instance, inanimate objects such as mountains, rivers, rocks and even objects crafted by humans are often regarded as having their own mauri. With the possession of mauri and mana, each entity is respected, and its contribution to the overall balance and harmony of the environment is acknowledged.

Rights: The University of Waikato Te Whare Wānanga o Waikato

Nature in harmony

Iwi Māori acknowledge the whakapapa (interconnectedness) and mauri of all things – mountains, rivers, rocks and even objects crafted by humans are often regarded as having their own mauri.

Pounamu adze image copyright of The Trustees of the British Museum, CC BY-NC-SA 4.0.

Whakapapa, among other things, describe connections and tell the story of how people, the landscape, plants and animals came into being. Iwi Māori believe people, plants and animals are all descendants of Ranginui and Papatūānuku and their children, which means humans are intrinsically linked with the environment. This philosophy has long been held within iwi Māori by acknowledging and connecting themselves through the sharing of pepeha. The speaker will identify who they are by sharing where they are from and to whom they have familial connections. The names of maunga, waka, awa, marae, iwi and hapū are often shared. The inclusion of people and places in these introductions are not coincidental. They signify the mauri, mana and tapu of each entity and their place in the natural world.

Rights: Crown Copyright

Whakapapa

Iwi Māori believe people, plants and animals are all descendants of Ranginui and Papatūānuku and their children, which means humans are intrinsically linked with the environment.

Our actions should respect or enhance the mauri of every creature and its habitat while taking action to ensure survival of flora and fauna species. While respect for mauri does not prevent us from using other creatures for food and other real needs, humans should not overextend their role at the top of food chain. While the distinction between living and non-living might exist, it doesn’t carry the same weight in te ao Māori. Instead, the intrinsic value and interconnectedness of all things is recognised regardless of whether they are conventionally classified as living or non-living. According to this philosophy, many iwi Māori have sought to live in harmony with te taiao – rather that dominating it – for the wellbeing of everything and everyone.