Te Taumata has initiated talks with Minister of Climate Change James Shaw after making a detailed submission on options to meet Aotearoa New Zealand’s new emission reduction targets.
Te Taumata has laid out concerns for Māori on this issue, stating announcements made at COP 26 would result in Māori bearing the brunt of climate change – in the same way Māori are bearing the brunt of one size fits all COVID policies.
It is imperative Māori are not only included in climate change discussions but are actively partnered with to find solutions that do not put indigenous people at a disadvantage.
Watching the tragedy unfold in Tonga from volcanic and tsunami activity, it is clear climate change looms large for Māori and all indigenous peoples of the Pacific feeling the brunt of failed domestic and international policy.
Te Taumata looks forward to continued, productive talks with Mr Shaw and is confident these discussions will result in more equitable climate change solutions.