Simon travels to New Zealand’s north to see how science and Indigenous knowledge are combining to breathe life back into Lake Rotoitipaku, a sacred lake decimated by years of pulp mill waste pollution. Indigenous knowledge spans millennia, and Maori schools pass on language and indigenous knowledge. ‘Mauri’ is the essential life force that exists and binds all things in the physical world. Dan Hikuroa, University of Aukland, is helping locals to bring back mauri to this lake, planning for getting rid of contaminants and restoring native vegetation and fisheries. Indigenous knowledge teaches us to reconsider our relationship with Mother Earth.

The Native Planet documentary series explores the unique spiritual connection global native peoples have with mother earth. Host Simon Baker takes you deep inside Indigenous communities and cultures where charismatic leaders are waging a passionate defense of mother earth.