We must improve the ways we use and care for land for the sake of current and future generations, other species and ecosystem health. We will ensure that land use and land cover are managed in accordance with Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Protecting soil health and preventing loss of soils will be a key focus.
Vision
We respect land and soil as part of the ecosystems we rely on. Land and soil ecosystems are protected and regenerated for present and future generations, to nurture our wellbeing and livelihoods, and provide food, medicine, and spiritual fulfilment.
Values and Principles
- Honour Te Tiriti o Waitangi: We affirm tino rangatiratanga of iwi, hapū and whānau as kaitiaki of this whenua. The perspectives, approaches, needs, and aspirations of tangata whenua are embedded in the philosophy and approach to land and soil management.
- Ecological Wisdom: Soil ecosystems have intrinsic value and humanity needs to steward the natural world by understanding and working within the carrying capacity of the land.
- Social Responsibility: The need for equity in the sustainable use of land and soil resources is acknowledged.
- Appropriate Decision-Making: Good governance (i.e., the processes by which institutions and other parties make and implement decisions in order to manage resources efficiently and ensure human rights), and strong institutions should underpin land and soil management.
- Non-Violence: Conflict resolution over land and soil management should ensure no violence is felt by te taiao, the creatures that call it home, and always honour Te Tiriti.
- The mauri of land - its cultural, spiritual, historical, conservation and ecological aspects - are prioritised. At the same time, agricultural land is valued for its ability to produce healthy food, fibre and wood and is regenerated and managed sustainably to ensure that its productive potential is protected and enhanced.
Strategic Priorities
The Green Party’s strategic goals include:
“All native species and their habitats will be thriving or on a path to recovery in terrestrial, freshwater and marine environments.
Our laws and practices will respect the biological integrity of all life, while prioritising the health of indigenous species and ecosystems.
The customary and decision making roles of whānau, hapū and iwi will be integral to decisions about resource use.
Decision-making about resource use will provide for community participation and environmental justice.”
Actions in this policy that will help achieve this include:
- Upholding the right of tangata whenua to exercise customary practices regarding soil sovereignty and māra kai on their land. (1.1.1)
- Using both mātauranga Māori and Western science in research and the development of land and soil policies and practices. (3.1.2)
- Ensuring that land use aligns with the urgency of climate change mitigation and adaptation, supports ecosystem health and conservation objectives. (1.2.1)
- Including community-based biodiversity conservation initiatives into land-use planning and local sustainable development strategies. (1.6)
- Encouraging and resourcing landowners to set marginal and erosion prone lands aside for restoration of native vegetation, and to establish habitat corridors. (2.1)
- Encouraging the use of soil conservation best practice, including mechanical and biological control techniques. (3.6)
Connected Policies
This Land and Soil Policy is fundamentally connected to the Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Food, Climate Change, Freshwater and Conservation Policies. It supports the protection of te taiao through the Environmental Protection Policy.
This policy discusses land use and soils within the context of environmental protection, and as a vital part of te taiao. For our response to colonial land dispossession, please see Hoki Whenua Mai—Land Back and our Te Tiriti o Waitangi Policy.
