'Okea ururoatia’: the role of Indigenous activism in the restoration and protection of nature

Indigenous peoples advocate for environmental and social justice in distinctive ways that may also benefit the conservation and restoration of biodiversity. We consider the ways that Māori self-determination movements have acted as a catalyst for increased environmental restoration across Aotearoa New Zealand (AoNZ). We examine contemporary understandings of cultural stewardship before examining protest movements, environmental legislation and funding for Māori-led environmental projects between 1974 and 2024. Our findings reveal that social and environmental justice are closely linked to ideas of place-based identity for Māori communities. Moreover, our research shows that support for Māori-led restoration was reflected in funding mechanisms across Aotearoa. Physical restoration of nature has oftentimes developed as a consequence of restoration of cultural knowledge, practice and rights of Māori communities to self-determination. This is clear through our analysis of both protest and environmental legislation alongside understandings of kaitiakitanga. Critically, supporting Indigenous communities to meet their responsibilities to culture, people and nature to mitigate the harms of colonization requires effort from state institutions and a shift in consciousness by wider society. The outcomes of these combined efforts for social and environmental justice can support the sustainability and conservation of nature and people. This article is part of the theme issue 'The biosphere in the Anthropocene'.