'Get together, work together, write together': a novel framework for conservation of New Zealand frogs

In New Zealand, it is a legal requirement to involve local Maori people in making decisions about the management of treasured species, and in carrying out that management. This requires a safe space in which both Maori perspectives and western scientific perspectives on how to protect these species can be included. Yet, the full benefits of having such a partnership are usually overlooked, and the protocols and strategies applied have often failed to incorporate Maori culture in the creation of knowledge and in maintaining the relationship. Here we propose a novel framework for amphibian conservation, based on an analysis of a two-way partnership developed during the translocation of a native frog species between two areas in the King Country. The framework 'get together, work together, write together' was identified after Maori and non-Maori authors reflected on the experiences, learnings and thoughts that they had during the partnership associated with this translocation project. 'Get together' refers to building a relationship that provides people with a sense of belonging (whanaungatanga). 'Work together' refers to the cooperative exchange of knowledge, and 'write together' refers to the contribution of new approaches and ways of carrying out research that incorporates all partners' voices. This study provides evidence of the feasibility of partnerships and their long-term conservation benefits. It also emphasises that the multiple cultural connections of Maori with native frogs converge with western conservation perspectives. We offer a detailed explanation of each stage's philosophy and practice to facilitate and encourage use of our framework in other biological/cultural contexts. This involvement should include face-to-face collaboration in order to share experiences, skills and knowledge.