Murihiku rūnanga are conducting research to develop a Murihiku Cultural Water Classification System. This will assist with their freshwater management needs and aspirations. The pilot study area is at sites along the Te Koroka Ara (Dart/Slipstream pounamu trail).
We need to collect data with a specially-designed cultural monitoring programme. One of the most important elements of any cultural monitoring programme is having whānau conducting the monitoring. It doesn’t matter how young or old you are, or if you have conducted such monitoring before. If you have enthusiasm for all things water and mahinga kai then you will have the skills to help us with this mahi. We will provide transport, accommodation, kai and some koha for your time.
It will be a time of whakawhanaungatanga, gathering and sharing mātauranga and being able to visit sites of our tūpuna, as well as looking at opportunities for our future generations.
Two very informative hīkoi have already taken place but there are still spaces available for the third and final hīkoi. The final hīkoi is on the lower Waiau and is planned for Friday 8 April to Sunday 10 April. There is a possibility also of a tuna wānanga over the weekend so the hīkoi may run another day. You can join us for one, some or all of the hīkoi. Please register your interest with: Stevie Blair at Te Ao Mārama, email: [email protected], phone: 03 931 1242, or Ōraka Aparima Rūnanga office, email: [email protected], phone: 03 234 8192.