The Mauri Compass was developed as a comprehensive environmental assessment tool where matauranga Maori and other sciences stand as unique bodies of knowledge in their own right. 
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FEATURES

ANY DEVICE

Works on any device or browser so throw away your pen and paper

ANYWHERE

Works offline in the most remote locations on land or at sea

ANYBODY

Designed for Iwi, Regional Councils, Planners and Schools
How does the Mauri Compass work?

​The Mauri Compass:
  • is a mātauranga Māori tool for assessing the mauri of water. Mauri is the life force or essence of all living and non-living things.
  • uses a cultural framework that works to promote, protect and enhance the mauri of any river, lake, aquifer or ocean.
  • consists of three kete. Each kete has four attributes that measure different aspects of the mauri of water.
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Te Ao Māori (People)
  • Tangata whenua and how strong is the connection to the waterbody
  • Tikanga, how prevalent are the cultural practices with the waterbody
  • Wairua, how strong are the spiritual connections with the waterbody
  • Mahinga kai, is mahinga kai practiced.
Te Ao Taiao (Environment)
  • How natural is the habitat in and adjacent to the waterbody
  • Biodiversity, diversity of the plant and animal life associated with the waterbody
  • Biohazards, how germ free is the waterbody
  • Chem-hazards, how free of chemical pollution is the waterbody.
Te Ao Wai (Water)
  • Kai species richness
  • Taonga/Sentinel kai species abundance
  • Taonga/Sentinel kai species health
  • Catchment health.
  • can be used to compare the historic, current and aspirational state of mauri of a water site, as well as to identify actions and solutions to restore the mauri of water to its desired state.
  • can also be used to monitor changes in the mauri of water over time and across different sites.
  • has been used successfully by Ngāti Porou, Te Aitanga a Mahaki, Ngāti Mutunga, Ngāti Tawhirikura, the Wi Pere Trust and the Gisborne District Council
  • Report provided the Taranaki Regional Council with the opportunity to engage with the iwi and learn more about Te Mana o te Wai, mātauranga Māori and the importance of mahinga kai, the prominence and priority of which are new requirements in the NPS-FM 2020.

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MEET THE DESIGNERS

IAN RURU AND DAVID WILSON

Tangata Whenua Scientist 
​Ian Ruru
and
​Gisborne District Council
Deputy Chief Executive Officer 
Dave Wilson
"The Compass is the result of the need to restore the mauri of Gisborne's waterways and is a symbol of a positive engagement between Iwi and the Council."