Traditionally, the transfer of knowledge among Maori has involved expert individuals, tohunga and waananga (schools of learning). Modern influences, however, have seen this system gradually decline and the recording, collection and dissemination of matauranga Maori has increasingly taken other forms.

Nevertheless, many kaumatua have traditional knowledge related to cultural activities and experiences associated with New Zealand’s native biodiversity.

Maori organisations and iwi and hapu can apply for funding from the Matauranga Kura Taio fund for initiatives that retain and promote traditional Maori knowledge and its use in biodiversity management. It also provides an opportunity for tangata whenua to participate in biodiversity management in their rohe (tribal area).

The fund is administered by the Nga Whenua Rahui committee, which reports directly to the Minister of Conservation. The first applications to the fund were sought in late 2001. Twenty-five applications were received, 14 of which were approved, totalling $172,000.

Eight of these projects targeted the use of traditional knowledge and its use in ecological management, four involved waananga as a means of transferring traditional knowledge concerning biodiversity, and two projects involved the development of tikanga-based environmental plans. The types of projects to receive funding include:

• the restoration of tuna (eel) habitat using customary knowledge.
• the development of a native nursery for cultural purposes.
• the establishment of a framework for the revival of traditional knowledge in the management of biodiversity on ancestral lands.

The programme has been promoted with local and central government agencies. In particular, one restoration project involves a ‘whole of government’ approach including Te Puni Kokiri, Community Employment Group and Environment Bay of Plenty.

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