Theme 02
Utu
Balance and reciprocity is the second theme in our relational framework.
Ocean Beach, Whangārei Heads, Northland
Utu acknowledges the reciprocal nature of all relationships, and the obligation to sustain them in appropriate balance. Tika refers to rightness of action – that is, action that acknowledges and enhances mana, and sustains and enhances the well-being of all.
For environmental governance, this means that people do not exploit te taiao; rather, we maintain environmental relationships in a state of balance. As we receive sustenance, we also give back and sustain. Environmental decision-making reflects the mana of oceans, rivers, lands and species. We acknowledge past imbalances, and provide time and resources for rebalancing and restoration. We also sustain balanced relationships among people, reflecting their mana.
We have guided our action plan with four key themes
OUR RELATIONAL FRAMEWORK
Theme 01
Whanaungatanga – Relationships
Whanaungatanga refers to kinship between all people and things – their connections through lines of whakapapa, and their interdependence with each other.
Theme 02
Utu – Balance and Reciprocity
Utu acknowledges the reciprocal nature of all relationships, and the obligation to sustain them in appropriate balance.
Theme 03
Mātauranga – knowledge and ways of seeing
Mātauranga refers to knowledge and understanding – to a way of seeing the world through a lens of kinship, of recognising the reciprocal responsibilities that arise from human-environment relationships.
Theme 04
Mana and Rangatiratanga – authority with care
Mana refers to authority, handed down through generations, to take action in the world.