08/10/2026
How are we going to fall in love with the world if we don’t pick berries?” — Robin Wall Kimmerer
We agree. Conservation, is a Western philosophy, that has separated people from land both physically and spiritually.
One way this happened was through the creation of “reserves” and “national parks” in the name of ecological protection and restoration. This comes with rules and regulations around harvesting our native species. And did you know under the Wildlife Act 1953, the Crown claims ownership of all wildlife except unprotected species? Funny that lol.
We remember hearing Dayle Takitimu say at a conference:
“Scenic reserves are the Crown saying if we want to preserve the look of something we have the right to take it. It’s the empire acquiring territory.”
Conservation doesn’t account for the relationship Indigenous peoples have with the land. For us, we need her just as much as she needs us.
If we are going to uphold our responsibilities and obligations to nature, we have to first have a relationship with her, we have to fall in love.
So go outside.
Feel the mud between your toes.
Pick some kawakawa for a cup of tea.
Go for a swim in the awa.
Gather some uku
Make something with your hands.
Lanae x
