Where Traditional and Innovative Knowledge Enhance People and Place

A cultural and environmental assessment framework integrating mātauranga Māori and environmental science to evaluate the mauri of any environment.

Why It Matters

Cultural perspectives are essential, but they must also be understood and trusted in formal decision-making.

The Mauri Compass offers a transparent and repeatable framework that integrates mātauranga Māori with environmental science, helping ensure Māori values are clearly reflected in evidence-based processes.

Three Interconnected Domains

A holistic approach that weaves together human connection, environmental health, and biodiversity.

Tangata Whenua

Te Ao Māori (People)

Connection

Assesses the strength of the relationship between people and place, including access, use, and cultural practices.

Te Ao Tūroa

Nga Tini a Tangaroa (Species)

Taonga

Measures the health and abundance of taonga species, biodiversity, and the ability to sustain mahinga kai.

Te Ao Taiao

Te Ao Taiao (Environment)

Water & Land

Evaluates environmental integrity through habitat quality, bio-hazards, and chemical hazards.

"The Mauri Compass allows us to utilise and revitalise mātauranga to assess the Waipaoa River. It is essential for promoting, protecting, and enhancing the mauri of our waterways."
Te Aitanga-a-Māhaki TrustPartner

Who the Mauri Compass is for

The Mauri Compass is used by people and organisations responsible for caring for land, water, and place — and who need a credible way to understand, demonstrate, and improve environmental and cultural outcomes.

It is used across sectors where Māori values, environmental performance, and evidence-based decision-making must work together.

Iwi & Hapū

Assert kaitiakitanga with data that reflects cultural reality.

Local & Central Government

Meet statutory obligations for cultural monitoring and reporting.

Farmers & Growers

From farm gate to board table - environmental clarity for farmers and the primary sector.

Schools & Community Groups

Track restoration progress with a holistic, easy-to-use tools.

Our Clients

Gisborne District Council
Gisborne District Council
Whakatōhea
Whakatōhea
Manawa Energy
Manawa Energy
Ngāti Porou
Ngāti Porou
Ngāti Te Whiti
Ngāti Te Whiti
Wi Pere Trust
Wi Pere Trust
Earth Sciences NZ
Earth Sciences NZ
Atihau Whanganui
Atihau Whanganui
Taranaki Regional Council
Taranaki Regional Council
Ministry for the Environment
Ministry for the Environment
Ngāti Mutunga
Ngāti Mutunga
Ngāti Manawa
Ngāti Manawa
Ngāi Tai Iwi Authority
Ngāi Tai Iwi Authority
Te Wai Māori Trust
Te Wai Māori Trust
Wairarapa Moana
Wairarapa Moana
Te Aitanga a Māhaki
Te Aitanga a Māhaki
Fonterra
Fonterra
Beca
Beca
Te Tumu Paeroa
Te Tumu Paeroa
Seafood New Zealand
Seafood New Zealand
Our Land and Water
Our Land and Water
Gisborne District Council
Gisborne District Council
Whakatōhea
Whakatōhea
Manawa Energy
Manawa Energy
Ngāti Porou
Ngāti Porou
Ngāti Te Whiti
Ngāti Te Whiti
Wi Pere Trust
Wi Pere Trust
Earth Sciences NZ
Earth Sciences NZ
Atihau Whanganui
Atihau Whanganui
Taranaki Regional Council
Taranaki Regional Council
Ministry for the Environment
Ministry for the Environment
Ngāti Mutunga
Ngāti Mutunga
Ngāti Manawa
Ngāti Manawa
Ngāi Tai Iwi Authority
Ngāi Tai Iwi Authority
Te Wai Māori Trust
Te Wai Māori Trust
Wairarapa Moana
Wairarapa Moana
Te Aitanga a Māhaki
Te Aitanga a Māhaki
Fonterra
Fonterra
Beca
Beca
Te Tumu Paeroa
Te Tumu Paeroa
Seafood New Zealand
Seafood New Zealand
Our Land and Water
Our Land and Water

Ready to assess the mauri of your environment?

Join the network of organizations using the Mauri Compass to drive meaningful change.

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