Rangatiratanga and Kaitiakitanga in Response to Climate Change: The Case of Ngāi Tahu in Aotearoa New Zealand

Abstract

Aotearoa (New Zealand) is currently facing a global environmental crisis, with hotter days, vanishing glaciers, and ocean acidification predicted over the coming century. The impacts of climate change are, and will be, disproportionately borne by tangata whenua (Māori). This article explores the pursuit of rangatiratanga and kaitiakitanga amidst settler-colonialism, capitalism, and climate change. I define rangatiratanga as exercising Māori leadership, asserting sovereignty over takiwā/rohe Māori (territory/territorial boundaries), and enabling kaitiakitanga. I refer to kaitiakitanga as an ethos, enabled by rangatiratanga, which aims to positively influence a relationship to the environment, protecting and enhancing it for both current and future generations.

Choosing Ngāi Tahu as my instrumental case, I argue that the iwi (tribe) has established itself as a climate actor through its statement of claim before the High Court, asserting its jurisdiction over water, and climate action plan Te Kounga Paparangi. Ngāi Tahu remains constrained by a need to provide economically for its tribal members and corporatisation enforced by the 1997 Waitangi Tribunal settlement.