Due to the effects of climate change and widespread ecological destruction, we are seeing global species loss on an unprecedented scale. In response to this, seed banking has become one method of storing at-risk species safely, while simultaneously supporting ecological restoration. Seed banking has therefore become a vital practice globally for ensuring the continual supply of seeds, in both agricultural and conservation projects. In Aotearoa, knowledge of how to store native seeds is limited, as the local science system has yet to truly utilise it as a method of conservation. This thesis therefore aims to look at both the technical aspects of how to store seeds native to Aotearoa, and what this may look like ethically, legally, and appropriately from an Indigenous Māori perspective. The technical part of this thesis focused on five species of the Coprosma genus and aimed to find the optimal germination method for each one, as well as whether these species show signs of desiccation or freezing sensitivity. Of my study species, C. robusta was identified as orthodox, while C. propinqua, C. rugosa, C. rhamnoides, and C. autumnalis are all varying degrees of non-orthodox. Among them, C. propinqua is intermediate with decreasing viability as temperatures decreased, and C. autumnalis was completely recalcitrant with no germination after drying. Coprosma rugosa and C. rhamnoides are both intermediate but with a significantly lower number of germinations than in C. propinqua. More research is needed on these species, specifically into how long in storage these species can last, in the case of those which can be stored safely.

The cultural aspect of this thesis, however, focused on addressing the past injustices faced by Indigenous peoples, specifically Māori, in science and conservation, while discussing how to build an appropriate and ethical seed banking system from the outset in Aotearoa. This chapter aimed to bring together both international policy and legal precedents from Aotearoa related to seed ownership. Based on these, I propose a set of best-practice guidelines for working with Māori in relation to seed banking. These protocols bring together the current literature on appropriate engagement, and personal experiences of myself and colleagues as Māori people working in the environmental space. Ultimately, between these two seemingly separate aims, the overall goal of this thesis is to support the growth of the relatively new seed banking sector in Aotearoa, so that as the nation progresses, we do it from an ethical and appropriate position.