Collaborator
James (Hēmi) Hita

James (Hēmi) Hita is a Māori activist and campaigner from Aotearoa New Zealand dedicated to protecting the ocean from the threats of deep-sea mining. In 2022, he confronted the deep-sea mining vessel ‘Hidden Gem’ off the coast of Manzanillo, Mexico, delivering a message to its captain to cease operations that endanger the ocean. In 2023, Hita led a peaceful protest against the UK Royal Research Ship James Cook in the Pacific Ocean, highlighting the potential harm of deep-sea mining to marine biodiversity. He continues to urge Pacific leaders to halt further exploration of our shared oceans, emphasising the collective responsibility to protect Te Moana Nui-a-Kiwa. Hita underscores the vital role of Indigenous voices in environmental advocacy.