Battershill, ChristopherTaufa, Natalie2026-08-042026-08-042026https://hdl.handle.net/10289/18503Coastal environments in Aotearoa/New Zealand are highly dynamic and diverse ecosystems that hold great cultural, social, economic and spiritual significance to Māori communities (the indigenous people of Aotearoa), yet face major threats from climate change, alongside other anthropogenically induced pressures. New Zealand's temperate reefs are experiencing increasing habitat degradation, biodiversity loss, and altered ecosystem functioning, which is evident in the depletion of culturally significant species and the declining state of health and mauri. The continual degradation of natural resources has had significant cultural impacts, compromising traditional customs such as mahinga kai (food gathering), kaitiakitanga (stewardship) and manaakitanga (hospitality), which is of great concern to mana whenua in Whangaruru, Northland. This thesis set out to address mana whenua concerns regarding the ongoing degradation of their moana rohe (ocean tribal area) by co-developing a monitoring framework for indigenous marine management, with a particular focus on rāhui as a traditional restriction on natural resources. Semi-structured interviews with kaumātua and kuia of Whangaruru were conducted, utilising a culturally responsive approach to collect oral histories and capture their perspectives on spatial and temporal environmental changes. The results revealed their key objectives for managing a rāhui within their moana rohe. Additionally, this study reviewed existing techniques of traditional and contemporary monitoring approaches used in comparable reef restoration contexts. Methods that aligned with the objectives identified through the interviews were incorporated into the framework. The outcome of this research was a monitoring framework that addresses the concerns of mana whenua (local indigenous people) by being responsive to their needs, filling a significant gap in existing marine management approaches. It also advocates for a decolonised research methodology that prioritises co-design, co-development, and collaboration with mana whenua, as a collective approach benefits the environment (te taiao), local communities, and researchers. The research draws on participants' intimate connection to their environment, leading to an innovative framework to revive guardianship (kaitiakitanga), provide hospitality (manaakitanga), and safeguard treasured species (taonga) and people, thereby maintaining cultural and ecological integrity. It stresses the importance of observing and listening to the environment, drawing from mātauranga and acting according to tikanga (customs). Ultimately, this study proposes a culturally grounded framework that promotes indigenous autonomy, protects food sovereignty, and reinforces the connection between people and te taiao for future generations.enAll items in Research Commons are provided for private study and research purposes and are protected by copyright with all rights reserved unless otherwise indicated.Thesis