Iwi Ecosystem Services, with Ngāti Raukawa
This collaborative FRST-funded research (MAUX 0502) is being conducted by Massey University and Landcare Research (NZCEE), Te Wānanga-o-Raukawa and Te Rūnanga o Raukawa. One of the strengths of this research programme is its aim to face the challenging questions concerned with how science can be conducted in a cross-cultural context. The project seeks to demonstrate that:
(i) Western science, economics and Kaupapa Māori science can co-exist in harmony; and
(ii) Kaupapa Māori science and indigenous knowledge systems have the potential to greatly enrich and even challenge conventional economics and science.
The project aims to:
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Spatially map/value natural ecosystems within the Ngāti Raukawa rohe, and identify the direct/indirect drivers of change responsible for present-day ecological degradation;
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Empower hapū and other end-user groups to address these problems using an ecosystem services approach grounded in Mātauranga Māori to address the direct and indirect drivers of ecosystem degradation;
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Formulate hapū management plans for specific case studies and ensure that future management and restoration activities are supported by an appropriate regulatory context;
* Undertake the above items (i)-(iii) by employing a kaupapa Māori approach that provides opportunity for capability development in aspiring Māori researchers.
The principles of Whakatupuranga Rua Mano guide the research project. These are:
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Our people are our wealth – retain and develop
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Te Reo is a taonga – halt the decline and revive
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The marae is our principal home – maintain and respect
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Self determination
Accordingly, scholarships were recently awarded to a number of students undertaking tertiary study of relevance to this research, to support their study in 2009 and beyond. They will be mentored by someone affiliated with this project, and where possible offered summer work or internships. The full list of Recipients, their course of study, and their mentors can be found here.
We are currently in the final phase of this 4-year project, whereby two case studies are being conducted to build on the knowledge and outcomes generated thus far in the project towards ecosystem restoration in the Ngāti Raukawa rohe. What follows is a description of the two case studies:
Case Study 1 -
Exploring our role as kaitiaki of the Te Wānanga-o-Raukawa Ōtaki campus;
Case Study 2 - Ngāti Tukorehe case study.
People who are involved in this research include:
Dr Anthony Cole (Science Leader), Aneta Rawiri (Project Administrator, Case Study Manager), Mike Paki, Alma Winiata, Maria Collier, Mike Ross, Andrenah
Kākā and Hone Te Rire from Te-Wānanga-o-Raukawa;
Professor Murray Patterson (Programme Leader), Derrylea Hardy (Project Manager), Tom Ndebele, Charles Chrystall, and Dr Nancy Golubiewski (currently on leave) from NZCEE, Massey University;
Dr Huhana Smith (Case Study Leader), consultant;
Dr Tanira Kingi from Massey University;
Garth Harmsworth and Janice Willoughby from Landcare Research - Manaaki Whenua;
Te Iwi O Ngati Tukorehe
Dr Charlotte Sunde, consultant.
The Governance Group for this project includes representatives from the four participating organisations:
Professor Murray Patterson (Massey University); Garth Harmsworth (Landcare Research - Manaaki Whenua); Mereana Selby (Tumuaki Te-Wānanga-o-Raukawa); Rachael Selby (Te Rūnanga o Raukawa). It is also attended by Dr Anthony Cole, Aneta Rawiri and Derrylea Hardy. Previous Governance Group members include Professor Whatarangi Winiata.
For more information about this project, please contact the Project Manager: Derrylea Hardy, or the Case Study leaders.
Future Research:
NZCEE is currently working with Wakadigital (creators of efish), Tauranga Moana Iwi (Manaaki Taiao), Ngāti Raukawa, and other groups (i.e, marine researchers, central and local government agencies, Māori fisheries agencies) to gain funding that will allow us to further develop the knowledge and experienced gained in this project, and extend it to coastal and marine ecosystems. If you are interested in this, or would like to assist or participate in any way, please contact Derrylea Hardy for more information.
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