Two marae in Heretaunga are joining forces to restore the health of a treasured spring-fed waterway, combining mātauranga Māori and western science in a long-term effort to protect the mauri of their awa for future generations.
Korongata Marae and Mangaroa Marae, near Bridge Pā in Hastings, have reaffirmed their commitment to restoring Paritua Karewarewa, a spring-fed stream that has sustained local hapū for generations but is now experiencing reduced water flows and extended dry periods.
Supported by the Taiao Directorate of Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi Incorporated, the marae recently hosted a two-day wānanga that brought together hapū, neighbouring marae, environmental scientists, researchers, local landowners and iwi specialists to examine more than five years of environmental monitoring undertaken along the waterway.
The kaupapa centred on understanding not only what is happening to the awa, but how Māori knowledge and scientific research can work together to guide its restoration.
Five Years of Monitoring
The first day of the wānanga focused on fieldwork, with participants visiting multiple monitoring sites along the stream to collect environmental data and observe the unique characteristics of each section of the awa.
The practical work allowed participants to examine changes in water flow, stream conditions and habitat quality while gaining a deeper understanding of the environmental pressures affecting the catchment.
The second day shifted attention to analysing five years of monitoring results, combining scientific findings with the lived experiences of whānau who have observed changes in the awa across several decades.
The monitoring confirmed that while water flow increases in some upper reaches of the stream, significant volumes are lost further downstream as water seeps into the ground.
Researchers also identified changes in water quality where water from other sources enters the stream, reinforcing that the health of an awa cannot be measured by water volume alone.
Measuring More Than Water
The monitoring programme examined a range of environmental indicators, including water conductivity, dissolved oxygen, temperature, pH levels and water clarity.
Together, these measures provide a more complete picture of freshwater ecosystem health and the conditions required for native species to thrive.
Participants said the findings reinforce the importance of understanding the entire ecosystem rather than focusing solely on stream flow.
The research will also contribute valuable evidence for future discussions around groundwater allocation, catchment management and environmental restoration planning throughout Heretaunga.
Mātauranga Māori and Science Together
A key theme throughout the wānanga was the value of bringing together mātauranga Māori and western science.
Whānau described how generations of observation by local hapū have identified changes in the awa long before formal scientific monitoring began.
Scientific data is now helping validate those observations while providing additional tools to guide future restoration work.
Organisers say the project demonstrates that Indigenous knowledge and scientific research are complementary approaches that together provide a stronger understanding of environmental change.
Restoring the Whole Ecosystem
The restoration vision extends well beyond monitoring.
Participants identified a range of priorities for the coming years, including wetland restoration, riparian planting, protecting habitat for tuna and native fish, repairing sections of the stream where water is being lost, and revisiting earlier environmental restoration plans.
Long-term ambitions also include establishing a permanent hapū water monitoring station, creating opportunities for whānau and rangatahi to develop environmental monitoring skills while contributing valuable long-term data about the health of the awa.
The initiative aims to strengthen the next generation of kaitiaki by ensuring environmental knowledge is shared across generations.
Hapū Leadership at the Centre
Organisers emphasised that the success of the project depends on genuine partnerships between hapū, marae, iwi, landowners and environmental agencies.
Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi Incorporated acknowledged the years of work undertaken by Robert Turner and his whānau, whose long-term monitoring has created an important environmental record for the catchment.
The iwi also recognised the contribution of Director of Taiao Ngaio Tiuka and Taiao Marine Scientist and Senior Analyst Shade Smith, whose technical expertise has helped strengthen collaboration between mātauranga Māori and environmental science.
Looking ahead, Korongata Marae and Mangaroa Marae are inviting neighbouring marae throughout the catchment to become involved, recognising that the health of the awa is a shared responsibility that extends beyond individual boundaries.
Protecting Wai, Protecting the Future
For Ngāti Kahungunu, the kaupapa reflects a long-held understanding that the wellbeing of people and the wellbeing of the environment are inseparable.
Healthy waterways sustain ecosystems, provide habitat for native species, support cultural practices and nourish communities.
By combining traditional knowledge, scientific evidence and collective leadership, the project seeks not only to restore a stream but to restore the mauri of a taonga that has sustained generations.
As the restoration journey continues, organisers say the guiding principle remains clear: when the wai is healthy, the people are healthy.
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