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Environment - Wai Ora Programme

Ngati Tuwharetoa has a core responsibility to protect and enhance our waterways within our rohe. It has become obvious with the multiple users of our taonga that our responsibilities have become even more essential to the mauri of the waters. We recognise that there is a place for western science to support our matauranga around our streams and waterways. Through the Tūwharetoa Asset Management Unit of the Tuwharetoa Maori Trust Board the Wai Ora programme was established in 2007 to monitor and to re-invigorate our relationships with our waterways.

This pilot programme attracted 13 marae, 2 trusts/incorporations and two kura kaupapa which was a great turn out equating to 50% of our targeted participation in Ngati Tuwharetoa. These roopu have committed to collecting data and managing it in a way that allows for credible, measurable data that can show changes in the health of our taonga.

One of the most important issues for our people is being able to choose which streams and/or rivers are being tested. There are currently many waterways that are monitored but more often than not our own important places are not looked after. This programme will support the marae/hapu/trusts/incorporations to choose which waterways they would like monitored. We now have 51 sites being monitored across the rohe. With the help of GIS technology, digital photos and ongoing support this is a comprehensive project that directly reflects the role of kaitiaki and protecting Lake Taupo waters. All sites are recorded on our database and the information is collected quarterly to a central point (TAMU) where we can produce summaries for each roopu and start to compare over time any changes. The monitoring involves the use of SHMAK kits that were distributed to Marae and the use of the Cultural Health Index. This is a 25 year plan so to ensure that there is ongoing mahi in this area we need people who can commit to the mahi for the long term and be willing to teach others in their marae/hapu/trusts/incorporations.

Tredegar Hall, (Ngati Rauhoto) who is completing a Bachelor of Social Sciences in Geography and Māori is working on ensuring the results are being gathered and is also formulating an analysis report on the water monitoring activities and results for our hapu. This is a summer role and he has added much value to the project. His role has been supported by Environment Waikato.

To find out more about the SHMAK kits, go to http://www.mfe.govt.nz/publications/water/shmak-98.html

To find out more about the Cultural Health Index go to http://www.mfe.govt.nz/publications/water/cultural-health-index-for-streams-and-waterways-feb06/

Waiora Programme Workshop

Tongariro River

Tamariki Assisting with the Water Testing at the Hungarito Stream

Waiora Programme Summary (PDF - 981kb)