Heather thomson

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

}

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!