Mātauranga Māori, Science and Health of Wetlands Mahuru Robb (Landcare Research) and Heather Thomson (Mōtakotako Marae)
Apr 06, 2016
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
} Use biotic and abiotic indicators
} Using a variety of techniques such as WETMAK, Handbook for Wetland Monitoring, DoC and Regional Council methods etc
} Do not specifically encompass cultural values for Māori
} Qualitative, subjective
} Encompasses te ao Māori. The physical and spiritual domains
} Requires historical knowledge
} Use site specific values/ priorities to develop indicators = Mātauranga a Hapū
} Wetland Cultural Health Index (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
} Specific indicators
3. Created a scale for each indicator
CHI Assessment Sheet
CHI Assessment Sheet
Sampling
Key Findings } Importance of relationships
} Collaborative process
} Differences in wetland health trends
} E.g. Water temperature, Total N
} Need for integration of both methods
} 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
} Collaborative relationships
} Successful process/ framework
How does cultural monitoring benefit Māori?
} Connecting people with place
} Increasing knowledge
} Knowledge transfer
} Monitoring hapū aspirations/ goals
Summary } Two different world views/ methods.
} Complementary assessment methods
} Be careful!
} Site specific and unique to each area
} Only tangata whenua can develop indicators/ carry out assessment
} Identifies management priorities and policy planning
Kua mutu!