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Kimmerer, R.W., 2002. Weaving traditional ecological knowledge into biological education: a call to action. BioScience, 52(5), pp.432-438.

Berkes, F., 2017. Religious traditions and biodiversity.  Encyclopedia of Biodiversity.

Huntington, H.P., 2000. Using traditional ecological knowledge in science: methods and applications. Ecological applications, 10(5), pp.1270-1274.

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Kawakawa is found throughout the North island and east coast of the south island.

The leaves are either a deep green or yellowish-green in colour and are are about 5–10 cm long by 6–12 cm wide.

Kawakawa is also plant that has a peppery taste to its leaves and is used in cooking.  But more traditionally Kawakawa was burned and used as an insect repellant.

Kawakawa also holds significance in Māori events and functions.  Wreaths of kawakawa are worn as a sign of mourning.  Waving leaves of kawakawa is often a welcoming tradition at a marae.

https://herbs.org.nz/herbs/kawakawa/. Accessed 19/9/23

Department of conservation - native plants https://www.doc.govt.nz/nature/native-plants/harakeke-flax/ accessed 13/9/2022.

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Harakeke, commonly know as flax.  Grow in long strape-like leafs.  Featuring a tall flowering plant at the top in a distinct red or yellow.

They are commonly found throughout the country but especially in wet areas.  But also at high altitudes and along coastlines.

Maori has an abundance of practical uses for Harakeke.  These typically involve weaving of the strong leafs to create clothing, mats, baskets, ropes, fishing lines and nets to name a few.

Harakeke is cherished in Māori culture and is encompassed in many traditions.

https://www.doc.govt.nz/nature/native-plants/harakeke-flax/ accessed 13/9/2022.

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Horopito is also known as the mountain pepper tree.  It is a woody flowering shrub that have yellow-green leaves patched with red.

It is found in wet upland forests in many of New Zealand's mountains.

Horopito has a hot peppery taste when chewed, hence the name pepper tree, it can be used in cooking.  Often as a rub for meat and potatoes.

Joanna Orwin - Shrubs and small trees of the forest - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand

Royal and Kaka-Scott - 'Māori foods – kai Māori - Modern cuisine’ - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand. Accessede 15/9/22

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Mātauranga Māori is a modern term for traditional ecological knowledge of Māori people.  Thus it is the field of knowledge originating from our Māori ancestors regarding the environment from a Māori perspective (TE AKA, 2022).  It ties in heavily with kawa (cultural practices) and tikanga (cultural principles).

Incorporating elements of Mātauranga Māori and Tikanga are now often common practice in New Zealand when undertaking ecological surveys and considering ecosystem-based management.

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Traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) refers to the knowledge of plants, animals and the wider environment that has been discovered by indigenous populations, through their deep and direct and long contact and association with the land.  This type of knowledge includes understanding uses of plants for medicinal and non medicinal uses as well development of technologies and techniques for hunting and fishing (Berkes, F., 2017).

TEK has been described as the “cumulative body of knowledge, belief, and practice, evolving by accumulation of ecological knowledge and handed down through generations through traditional songs, stories and beliefs” (Kimmerer, 2002).  It concerns knowledge of the environment and its relationship with us as human beings in the context of our traditional indigenous groups.

TEK is slowly becoming more incorporated into science.  TEK is often passed down generation to generation by word of tongue and hands on experience, rather than written down or published.  Because of this, it is difficult to encompass this knowledge into scientific studies or practices of conservation and management.  Yet more and more is science promoting the use of TEK into ecological understanding, impact assessments and other areas of scientific research (Huntington, 2000).

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Rātā is an tree endemic to New Zealand that features prominent red flowers.

Found in cooler regions with high rainfall, common along the west coast of the South Island.

Rātā also has an abundance of medicinal uses.
The bark of the tree was soaked in water and used as a lotion.  The water could also be drunk as a remedy for diarrhoea.  Lastly, the nectar from the flower could be consumed to help cure a sore throat.

https://teara.govt.nz/en/rongoa-medicinal-use-of-plants/page-3. Accessed 15/9/22

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Kowhai is a small woody trees that features distinct seed pods that flower yellow.

It is typically found alongside streams and forest edges.  As well as in lowland or open mountain areas.

The Bark was traditionally mashed up, heated and applied to skin to treat wounds or treat bruising and muscular pains.

https://teara.govt.nz/en/rongoa-medicinal-use-of-plants/page-4.  Accessed 14/9/22.

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Manuka is a species of distinct white flowering plant.

Found throughout New Zealand but more so on the drier east coasts of the North and South Islands.

Manuka has many medicinal uses,
Chewing the bark will have a relaxing effect when chewed and is used to aid sleep.
The oil from the flowers can be used to treat scolds and burns.  As well as being a treatment for dandruff.

https://web.archive.org/web/20160327064607/http://www.manukaoil.com/manuka_oil_uses.htm. Accessed 14/9/22.