About this research
Project Summary
The project aimed to support steps toward a more holistic and Indigenous-led stewardship of Antarctica, by introducing and exploring how to apply the concept and practice of tohu into our rangahau. Observations of Antarctic sea-floor seeps signal a potential tohu or tipping point for the icy continent. Our interpretation of tohu asks about the place of human response and responsibility to signs and tipping points. Introducing this te ao Māori model to Antarctic research within an international network supports sustainable transformation toward flourishing futures for Māori.
Alyssa Thomas, Ocean Mercier and Sarah Seabrook, 2024, presented "He Tohu Āhuarangi: climate change signs between Antarctica and Aotearoa", at Session 32, Antarctic and Southern Ocean Histories: new perspectives and interpretations Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research SCAR conference, Pucon, Chile, 19-23 August.
Researchers
Associate Professor Ocean Mercier and Alyssa Thomas, Victoria University of Wellington
This project explored how the Māori concept of tohu—environmental signs—could inform Antarctic research and stewardship. By weaving te ao Māori into international climate science, the research supported Indigenous-led approaches to recognising and responding to signs of change in Antarctica.
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This internship compiled a database of traditional Māori food preservation practices to better understand archaeological midden sites and mahinga kai history.
Working with Otago’s SPAR team, the project links historical knowledge with contemporary preservation techniques across Aotearoa.
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