Recently, like many others, I was hit by the Omicron Covid-19 virus and spent several days feeling unwell. Māori support agencies have been resourced to assist people like myself in isolation and on Day three I received a “care package” that included bacterial wipes, masks, toilet paper, three RATs and a small package that included rongoa Māori.

Tūpākihi, kawakawa and kūmarahou are names familiar to many Māori, names of plants known for their medicinal properties. There was tūpākihi balm for muscular aches and pains, kawakawa spray for a sore throat and kūmarahou, a cough suppressant. The kawakawa plant contains a form of a natural analgaesic and is closely related to the kava plant native to the Pacific islands. These medicines are now processed and packaged for ease of sale and use, but the raw material for making these products, for the most part, continues to be grown ‘in the wild’.

The raw materials from nature’s bounty require that we maintain sound stewardship of Papatuanuku and it is in this regard that we can contribute to care for the planet and its resources for the betterment of all.

The Climate Justice Working Group’s presentation to Conference 2021 included views from three different perspectives. The second focussed on mātauranga Māori (Māori knowledge and understanding) and how it might contribute to understanding and adapting our current practices to better care for the land and also meet the needs of people. It is this sharing of knowledge across the spectrum of culture, historical experience and collaboration that will offer the best opportunities for future-proofing our environment for those who come after us.

As an example, in recent months in Aotearoa there have been two towns subjected to unseasonal flooding. That has created hardship for many having to relocate, albeit temporarily, and to dry out, throw out damaged goods, furnishings and begin again. How many times can people afford to do this? What is the human cost to these disasters? The uncertainty, the stress associated with dealing with such matters, all take a toll on the human spirit. What can we, as people of God, do to alleviate these harms?

It is incumbent on us to be deliberate in our efforts to reduce carbon emissions in whatever way possible. 1 Peter 4:10 notes that we have a role as good stewards of the grace of God to serve with whatever gifts we each possess. We must therefore do all we can in our own ways to reduce the harms of carbon emissions. That may include bringing knowledge from across the spectrum of science, indigenous knowledge and technological advances together and put them to use to alleviate these issues. As we do this, we continue to serve God through our service to Papatuanuku and ultimately to our fellow inhabitants of the planet.