Exploring Te Taiao

Te Taiao is the interconnection of wai, whenua, āhuarangi, and koiora.

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Te Taiao in action means where humanity and the natural world sustain each other in an interconnected relationship of mutual respect and interdependence. 

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Te Taiao encompasses everything that is 'growing and flowing' in our physical, metaphysical, temporal (past-present-future), and cultural spheres. All are intrinsically linked with biodiversity, whereby there is mauri, mana, tapu (sacred) and wairua (spirit). 

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Te Taiao is a universal, local, and personal phenomenon. Individuals with a strong emotional attachment to place are more likely to respect a place, and want to protect, care for, and improve their place. From a Māori worldview, Te Taiao manifests itself through whakapapa; people, landscape, plants, or animals.