Mātauranga Māori, Science and Health of Wetlands
Mahuru Robb (Landcare Research) and Heather Thomson (Mōtakotako Marae)
MSc Research Project } Mātauranga }
Māori, Science and Wetland Health
How well do these methods work together?
} Working
with tangata whenua from Mōtakotako marae.
Two approaches... Mātauranga Māori
Scientific }
Quantitative, objective
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Qualitative, subjective
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Use biotic and abiotic indicators
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Encompasses te ao Māori. The physical and spiritual domains
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Using a variety of techniques such as WETMAK, Handbook for Wetland Monitoring, DoC and Regional Council methods etc
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Requires historical knowledge
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Use site specific values/ priorities to develop indicators = Mātauranga a Hapū
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Wetland Cultural Health Index
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Do not specifically encompass cultural values for Māori
(Harmsworth, 2002)
Toreparu Wetland
Toreparu Wetland
Toreparu Wetland
CHI Development 1.
Discussed values and goals/vision for the Toreparu
2.
Identified key/important aspects of the Toreparu }
3.
Specific indicators
Created a scale for each indicator
CHI Assessment Sheet
CHI Assessment Sheet
Sampling
Key Findings }
Importance of relationships }
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Collaborative process
Differences in wetland health trends }
E.g. Water temperature,Total N
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Need for integration of both methods
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Provides a holistic view on wetland health
Empowers indigenous communities }
Transfer of knowledge and capacity building
Informing Management/ Policy }
Identify key sites and values for restoration }
Includes biodiversity values, land management and cultural sites and priorities
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Collaborative relationships
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Successful process/ framework
How does cultural monitoring benefit Māori? }
Connecting people with place
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Increasing knowledge
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Knowledge transfer
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Monitoring hapū aspirations/ goals
Summary }
Two different world views/ methods.
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Complementary assessment methods
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Be careful!
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Site specific and unique to each area
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Only tangata whenua can develop indicators/ carry out assessment
Identifies management priorities and policy planning
Kua mutu!