Lincoln University is setting up a national Māori biosecurity network to help protect the motu from biosecurity threats.
The network will discuss additional measures to protect tāonga species such as kauri. Photo: 123rf
The network will connect organisations to researchers and provide a culturally safe space to talk about issues important to Māori.
The manager of the project, Amanda Black, said the benefit of having such a network was that the country would be better prepared against threats to tāonga species such as kauri, totara, kawakawa and pohutukawa.
She said it would provide a voice for Māori groups that focussed not just on dairy production or kiwifruit but included the rich biodiversity of Aotearoa.
Ms Black said there would be a series of regional hui held at international entry points to form the Māori biosecurity roopu.