To safeguard the status of their waterways, Ngati Ranginui and Ko Waitangi Te Awa, have embarked on a partnership with AquaWatch, utilising the “waka” or river monitoring devices to restore mahinga kai values and blend traditional knowledge with cutting-edge technology.
Ngati Ranginui: Honoring the Mahi Tuna Tradition
For Ngati Ranginui, a deep-rooted connection to the land and water is at the core of their identity. Their focus centres on the mahi tuna, the eel, which holds profound significance.
Des Heke of Ngati Ranginui explains their commitment to restoring the mauri of awa for taonga species,
"We are focusing our 'Te Mana o Te Wai' efforts on mahi tuna in acknowledging the value of mahinga kai. In this regard, 'Te Mana o te Tuna' serves as both a statement, a strategy, and a study."
Technology is viewed as a powerful tool to assist mahi tuna traditions and rejuvenate the habitats of this taonga species.
"The real-time data analysis and integration with our Ngati Ranginui of Tauranga Moana 'Te Mana o te Wai' GIS Portal is a perfect example of our commitment to technology to assist our mahi tuna traditions," says Heke.
With AquaWatch's state-of-the-art measuring devices, they can closely monitor the health of their rivers, enabling them to make informed decisions and protect our precious tuna.
Ko Waitangi Te Awa: Bridging the Gap Between Tradition and Science
On the other side of the river, Ko Waitangi Te Awa has their own objectives. Tana Apiata, representing the Ko Waitangi Te Awa Trust, outlines what they are aiming to achieve:
"The primary objective of partnering with AquaWatch is to enable us as ahikaa of our Marae to communicate the status of our water in our own words. Through the use of the [this] waka, we can measure the impacts on the mauri of our awa as it happens. We are in a really exciting place right now with the weaving of our Mātauranga and science together so both sides of the story can be written."
The data collected by AquaWatch's monitoring devices is more than just numbers for this iwi - it is a language that speaks of the river's health and vitality. The data sets are available for their Kai Korero, the keepers of ancestral wisdom, enabling them to actively participate in decision-making processes.
Working alongside Mātauranga Māori and indigenous knowledge
The AquaWatch measuring device brings a wealth of benefits to this collaboration and we look forward to strengthening the multi-generational insights and knowledge of mātauranga Māori with these scientific measures and support:
Actionable and Intuitive Data: Providing insights that empower informed decisions.
High-Frequency Water Quality Sampling: Ensuring that crucial changes are not missed.
Timely Data Delivery: Made accessible via cellular, satellite, and the internet when and where needed.
Email Alerts: Prompting swift responses to any water quality changes.
Full Customer Support: Real people ready to assist with questions and concerns.