In mid-September, a delegation from Revive Our Gulf attended the 2024 AMSA-NZMSS Conference in nipaluna/Hobart, Tasmania. Held every five years, the conference is a joint initiative between the Australian Marine Sciences Association (AMSA) and the New Zealand Marine Sciences Society (NZMSS). It’s a platform for sharing the latest marine research across both sides of the Tasman and discussing the pressing challenges facing the marine environment.
Themed Navigating Uncertainty for a Future Sustainable Ocean, the conference brought together marine scientists, policymakers, and Indigenous leaders from across the Indo-Pacific.
The Revive Our Gulf delegation included Nicola MacDonald and Delma O’Kane from Ngāti Manuhiri Settlement Trust, Moana Tamaariki-Pohe from Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, Pia Kahui-McConnell representing Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki, Dr. Jenny Hillman from the University of Auckland, and Katina Conomos, Programme Director of the Mussel Reef Restoration Trust.
A key highlight of the trip was the opportunity to meet with Traditional Owners in Australia. We participated in the Indigenous workstreams of the conference, with our Māori members sharing their experiences of kaitiakitanga, and us all learning from Aboriginal communities about how they manage their lands and waters. We were particularly inspired by the use of the terms sea country, air country, and sky country, which broadened our understanding of how Aboriginal Australians relate to their environment in a holistic way.
A standout session for all of us focused on data sovereignty – a critical issue as Indigenous and scientific data plays an increasingly important role in environmental governance. The conversation explored how data, particularly data connected to Indigenous lands and waters, can be managed and protected in ways that align with cultural values. For the Revive Our Gulf team, this was particularly relevant. As our project gathers more data, it is essential to ensure that Mana Whenua have appropriate control over data connected to their marine environments, and that all data within the project is handled with care and respect.
A recurring theme throughout the conference was the importance of effective science communication. The impact of scientific research often hinges on how well it is communicated to non-scientific audiences. Integrating storytelling into science emerged as a key strategy to bridge the gap between technical research and public engagement – something that is vital for us at Revive Our Gulf.
The conference also offered valuable insights into marine restoration efforts throughout Australia. The vastness of Australia and its sea country was striking. While many projects remain focused on single-species restoration, the potential for more holistic, ecosystem-wide interventions is beginning to emerge. These observations will help inform our ongoing work in Aotearoa as we seek to balance species-specific restoration (in our case, kūtai/mussels) with broader ecosystem restoration goals.
Beyond the formal sessions, the trip offered the Revive Our Gulf team time to strengthen relationships within our own rōpū (group). Whakawhanaungatanga – the building and maintaining of meaningful connections – is foundational to our projects’ success. Time away from day-to-day operations provided space for reflection, collaboration, and strategic thinking. These strong relationships underpin our team’s effectiveness and will ensure that future efforts remain aligned and cohesive.
Support from The Nature Conservancy NZ and the Tindall Foundation made this trip possible, and we’ve returned with renewed energy and fresh insights to apply to the ongoing restoration efforts in Aotearoa.