| Title | AN HOLISTIC APPROACH TO IMPACT ASSESSMENT: REVITALISING THE PRESENCE OF MĀORI VALUES FOR CULTURAL SUSTAINABILITY IN GEOTHERMAL DEVELOPMENT |
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| Authors | D. Taute, K. Morgan, J. Ingham, R. Archer, and T. Fa’aui |
| Year | 2019 |
| Conference | New Zealand Geothermal Workshop |
| Keywords | Maori values, Indicators of sustainability, Cultural sustainability, Environmental sustainability, Social sustainability, Economic sustainability, Impact assessment, Geothermal development, Geothermal energy production, generation, and utilization, Rūaumo |
| Abstract | The geothermal resources of Aotearoa New Zealand’s1 Taupō Volcanic Zone (TVZ) provided warmth and ample cooking capabilities for the first Māori who settled in the region. Today, a wealth of Māori values associated with geothermal resources exist within many Māori communities of the TVZ. These Māori geothermal values can be thought to be separated into three components that reflect the different types of concerns and interests to Māori. The first component, being the spiritual component, was derived from the many Māori myths that describe the origins of the TVZ’s geothermal resources and the super-natural implications associated with improper use of such resources. The values held within this spiritual component govern Māori behaviour and respect towards geothermal resources. The second component, which concerns the values associated with cultural practices and customs, emerged from the long-standing historical uses and practical benefits of geothermal resources. Finally, in today’s context where a multi-worldview spectrum of stakeholders exists, and a competitive field of economic goals typically overrides cultural sustainability goals, the third component, which concerns Māori political values, has emerged to ensure that Māori do not lose out on opportunities in Aotearoa’s economic growth through geothermal development. The three resulting components of Māori geothermal values are, customary, spiritual, and political, and are presented herein. In revitalising the representation of Māori values within today’s ‘western-traditional’ impact assessment context, the three components are positioned alongside western values such as environmental, societal, and economical parameters. This parallel consideration of Māori values and western values contributes to a more holistic overview of the geothermal development sector. |