Date/Time
Date(s) - Wed 29 July
12:00 - 12:30
How do we know whether urban restoration is truly restoring relationships between people, place, and te taiao — not just planting trees?
This webinar introduces the Kākano framework and related kaupapa Māori approaches for assessing the cultural, ecological, and governance dimensions of urban restoration.
Dr Shaun Awatere and Dr Erana Walker will explore how mātauranga Māori can reshape restoration planning and evaluation through concepts such as kaitiakitanga, whakapapa, and Māori leadership in decision-making.
The session will share practical insights for councils, practitioners, and communities seeking more meaningful, place-based, and culturally grounded restoration outcomes.
Bio: Dr Erana Walker is a post-doc at the University of Waikato, whose work focuses on Indigenous connections with nature in urban environments and empowering Māori leadership in restoration.
Bio: Dr Shaun Awatere is an environmental economist applying kaupapa Māori frameworks to sustainable land-use and restoration. He champions culturally grounded approaches that support both ecological and community wellbeing.