Image
Credit: Kura Paul Burke

Awhi Mai Awhi Atu: Enacting a kaitiakitanga-based approach to EBM

This project combines mātauranga Māori, science and local kaitiakitanga to better understand the culturally and socially important species in Ōhiwa Harbour.

Project LeaderDurationBudget
Kura Paul-Burke (University of Waikato) & Richard Bulmer (NIWA)April 2020 – June 2023$1,073,700

Overview

This research will bring together mātauranga Māori and science to investigate habitat connectivity as it applies to the unique social, cultural and ecological context of Ōhiwa Harbour. Specifically, this will help better understand the degrading harbour and promote recovery of the once abundant mussel reefs and shellfish of Ōhiwa Harbour.

The key aim is to co-develop and co-produce marine research that actively positions tikanga and mātauranga Māori as a fundamental approach alongside science for present and future generations. 

The other research aims are:

  • Ngā tohu o te taiao – Recognising, interpreting and responding to contemporary tohu or environmental signs, signals and indicators of the natural world
  • Mahi tahi – Collaborative observation, action and reflection, look to an intergenerational past to enact the present and inform the future
  • Kaitiakitanga – Active guardianship, combine learnings from localised mātauranga Māori with science to enact positive, proactive decision-making and management action

This project has been co-developed with hapū/iwi of Ōhiwa harbour. It is supported by the Bay of Plenty Regional Council and the seven partners of the co-management Ōhiwa Harbour Implementation Forum. This project has arisen from the issues, challenges, actions and aspirations of Māori and is grounded in Whanaungatanga the principle of working in meaningful, genuine collaboration to influence how mātauranga Māori and science principles and practices are translated operationally in ways that recognise cultural values, knowledge systems and opportunities.

How it relates to the Challenge

The bringing together of different knowledge systems to improve decision-making capabilities using a kaitiakitanga-based approach to EBM actively support the Challenge objective: To enhance utilisation of our marine resources within environmental and biological constraints.

Research Team

Kura Paul-Burke (University of Waikato)
Richard Bulmer (NIWA)
Shaun Ogilvie (Eco Research Associates Ltd)
Conrad Pilditch (University of Waikato)
Joe Burke (MUSA Environmental)
Megan Ranapia (University of Waikato)

Related News

Project proposal

336 KB | pdf

Location

Tools & Resources

This project has produced or contributed to:

Indigenisation of conservation education in New Zealand
Academic publication
Reihana Kiri R., Wehi Priscilla M., Harcourt Nichola, Booth Pam, Murray Joanne M., Pomare-Pieta Mina (2021). Pacific Conservation Biology.
View
Ecosystem-based management in Aotearoa New Zealand (UN Ocean Decade Laboratory)
Presentation
This webinar presentation and discussion was led by early-career researchers working with Sustainable Seas. March 2022 (1hr45m + 15m Q&A)
View
Te Au o Te Moana | Special Webinar Series: Healthy Seas
Presentation
This webinar was presented by Conrad Pilditch, Megan Ranapia, Rebecca Gladstone-Gallagher, Simon Thrush, Joanne Ellis, and Tom Brough. March 2022 (1hr, 30mins Q&A)
View
Mātauranga Māori material science is restoring mussels
Summary
This impact case study describes how a Mātauranga Māori and science collaboration is restoring kūtai/mussel beds and community connections in Ōhiwa Harbour (August 2021)
View
Our research in action
Summary
These impact case studies show our research is supporting management, influencing policy, and inspiring the next generation. Each was developed at a point in time to showcase our work.
View
Integrating western science with Māori knowledge to understand changes in sedimentation and water quality in Ōhiwa Harbour
Academic publication
La Croix A, Stewart B, Paul-Burke K & Bryan K (February 2023)
View
Taura kuku: prioritising Māori knowledge and resources to create biodegradable mussel spat settlement lines for shellfish restoration in Ōhiwa harbour
Academic publication
Paul-Burke K, Burke J, Ngarimu-Cameron R, Bulmer R, Cameron K, O’Brien T, Bluett, C & Ranapia M (September 2022)
View
Ngāti Rēhia mai ki Tākou Bay
Report
Moana plan scoping report (June 2024)
View

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