Exploring Te Kooti’s 1886 Te Umutaoroa prophecy as a climate adaptation framework

This paper is the beginning point of reflecting on and exploring the 1886 Te Umutaoroa prophecy, given by Te Kooti Arikirangi Te Tūruki, as a climate adaptation framework, inspired by the Toi Rito Toi Rangatira - Rangatahi Climate Leadership Programme. Selected by my hapū, Patuheuheu and Ngāti Haka, I joined this programme aimed at rangatahi Māori involved in Deep South Research projects. Despite initial reservations about my age, my kaumātua encouraged my involvement, seeing potential benefits for our hapū. The programme was transformative, enriching my understanding of climate leadership and integrating contemporary perspectives with traditional wisdom. This experience led to a deeper exploration of the Te Umutaoroa prophecy, promising restoration of land, dignity, and sovereignty. The prophecy’s eight mauri provide a foundation for a hapū-centred climate adaptation framework. Climate change, driven by industrialisation, threatens ecosystems, and Māori communities, are particularly vulnerable. Integrating mātauranga Māori with scientific methods offers holistic, culturally meaningful solutions. Te Umutaoroa’s principles—spirituality, land stewardship, hapū well-being, faith/belief, healing, discovering hidden potential, conflict resolution, and returning to ancestral lands—guide potential adaptation strategies. This paper presents Te Umutaoroa as a framework to strengthen the resilience of Patuheuheu and Ngāti Haka against climate change, advocating for further research and collaboration to refine and implement these strategies, ensuring they align with hapū values.