Mauri Compass Level 1 Wānanga
A 'How To' Guide for Kaitiaki
​June 12th Thursday 9.00AM - 3.00PM
June 13th Friday 9.00AM - 3.00PM
​Tūtāmure - Te Aho Wananga (115 Church Street, Opotiki), Tūtāmure - Te Aho Wananga

Tēnā koutou e ngā Kaitiaki Taiao o Te Whakatōhea,

Ko te tūmanako ia, kia rangatira ai ngā uri o Te Whakatōhea.  I’m excited to invite you to take part in an important kaupapa designed to uplift our people and our environment — Te Matapuna o Te Wai – Mauri Monitor project. This mahi is all about enhancing environmental sustainability within our rohe, strengthening our kaitiaki capacity, and weaving mātauranga Māori with modern tools to monitor and restore the mauri of our wai. We’re kicking off with an engaging two-day Mauri Compass Level 1 wānanga – a blend of theory, tuna fieldwork, and whanaungatanga (with a few chocolates thrown in!). I strongly encourage you all to join us – whether you’re experienced or just starting your journey as a Kaitiaki, this is a chance to grow, connect, and contribute to the health of our taiao.

Logan Bertram
Toi Ora Environment Manager
[email protected]

Ian Ruru
Mauri Compass Caretaker
[email protected]
Thursday June 12th
Activity
9.00 - 10.00
MIHI
Opening Karakia / Whanaungatanga
​Danny & Logan
10.00 - 11.00
HISTORY
Te Whakatohea Context Setting
​Danny & Logan
11.00 - 12.00

MEASURING MAURI
​How we will apply the Mauri Compass as a tool to help Te Whakatohea monitor and restore the mauri of nga awa 
​Ian
12.00 - 12.30
KAI TIME
12.30 - 1.00
TIKANGA & TECHNOLOGY
Matauranga Maori & eDNA | The best of both worlds
​Riaki
1.00 - 2.30
EELS ON WHEELS PART 1
​Site visit, local history, fieldwork, set nets, record water quality using our App
Ngāti Ira Taiao Team
2.30 - 3.00
Reflections / Debrief / Closing Karakia
Friday June 13th
Activity
9.00 - 11.00
EELS ON WHEELS PART 2
Opening Karakia then off to check nets, record data, assess tuna/eel health and abundance. 
​What are our tuna telling us about the mauri of our awa?
11.00 - 11.30
MAPS AND APPS
​Water quantity, how much, how it's allocated and to whom.  Water quality: Current state, trends, issues, and monitoring.
​Ian
11.30 - 12.00
PEST MANAGEMENT AND BIODIVERSITY
Te Whakatohea Taiao Team showing us how its done  
12.00 - 12.30
KAI TIME
12.30 - 1.00
TEACHING TOMORROWS SCIENTISTS TODAY
Ashlee
1.00 - 2.30
ASSESSMENT TIME
Includes chocolates and prizes!
2.30 - 3.00
REFLECTIONS / NEXT STEPS / CLOSING KARAKIA

APPS AND MAPS SECTION

Mauri Compass Mobile App

INPUT:  Our mobile app enables secure, real-time data recording from any location. It is designed to provide Kaitiaki with a simple and secure way to upload and store their environmental observations as they happen.
OUTPUT:  We then generate customisable Reports and Dashboards.

BOPRC Maps

We will introduce you to these Maps and help explain how they can support our mahi.
CASE STUDY: The first time time a Cultural Health Monitoring Tool has been tested in Environment Court. 
​And Ngāti Mutunga came away with the "win".
Photos of those who gave evidence:
Click the + sign below
The first time THAT a cultural monitoring tool has been tested in Environment court
 
Case Study: Ngāti Mutunga’s Use of the Mauri Compass in Environment Court ENV-2021-AKL-000059
Background

Ngāti Mutunga, a Taranaki iwi with deep ancestral ties to their whenua and moana, has a long-standing tradition of kaitiakitanga, the guardianship and protection of the environment. Their unwavering commitment to preserving the natural world is reflected in their proactive and strategic approach to addressing environmental issues, particularly those that threaten the mauri, or life force, of their lands and waters. This case study delves into how Ngāti Mutunga utilised the Mauri Compass, a powerful tool that integrates traditional Māori knowledge with contemporary environmental science, to successfully challenge environmental threats in their rohe. Furthermore, it provides a detailed step-by-step guide for other iwi who may wish to adopt similar strategies in their own environmental advocacy efforts.

The Environmental Challenge

In recent years, Ngāti Mutunga was confronted with a significant environmental challenge posed by the operations of Remediation New Zealand, a waste management site located in Uruti. The site’s activities had been causing considerable harm to the Mimitangiatua awa (river), as well as posing health risks to the local community. Despite the site’s resource consents expiring in 2018, operations continued unabated, leading to ongoing degradation of the water quality and broader ecological systems within the affected area. The situation became untenable for Ngāti Mutunga, prompting the iwi to take action to protect their environment and uphold their role as kaitiaki.

The Role of the Mauri Compass

Recognising the need for a robust and culturally grounded approach to contesting the renewal of Remediation New Zealand’s resource consents, Ngāti Mutunga turned to the Mauri Compass. This tool, which combines mātauranga Māori (Māori knowledge) with scientific methodologies, allows for a comprehensive assessment of the health and vitality of natural resources. The Mauri Compass was used to evaluate the impact of the waste management site on the Haehanga Stream, a critical waterway within the region. Through this assessment, Ngāti Mutunga was able to document the decline in the stream’s mauri, providing both cultural and scientific evidence to support their case against the continued operation of the site. This assessment became a cornerstone of their legal strategy and was instrumental in the eventual decision by the Taranaki Regional Council to deny the renewal of the resource consents.

Step-by-Step Guide for Using the Mauri Compass in Environmental Advocacy

  1. Understanding the Mauri Compass


    • Familiarisation and Education: The first step is to thoroughly understand the principles and structure of the Mauri Compass. This involves studying the tool’s framework, which includes a variety of attributes such as water quality, biodiversity, cultural significance, and spiritual wellbeing. The Mauri Compass is designed to provide a holistic evaluation of the mauri of a natural resource. It is essential for those involved to be educated on how each attribute contributes to the overall assessment.
    • Training and Capacity Building: Ensure that key members of the iwi are adequately trained in the use of the Mauri Compass. This training should be comprehensive, covering both the cultural significance of the tool and the technical aspects of its application. Consider organising workshops or wānanga (educational gatherings) to build capacity within the iwi, enabling a broad base of members to contribute to the assessment process.


  2. Identify the Environmental Challenge


    • Assessment of Environmental Threats: Begin by clearly identifying the specific environmental threats or challenges that the iwi is facing. These could include pollution, resource exploitation, deforestation, or any other activities that pose a risk to the health of natural resources. In the case of Ngāti Mutunga, the primary challenge was the ongoing pollution of the Haehanga Stream and the surrounding environment due to the operations of Remediation New Zealand.
    • Selection of the Affected Area: Once the environmental threat has been identified, select the specific natural resource or area where the Mauri Compass will be applied. This site should be one that holds significant cultural, environmental, or spiritual value to the iwi. The Haehanga Stream was chosen by Ngāti Mutunga due to its importance as a waterway and its vulnerability to the pollutants from the waste management site.
  3. Gather Baseline Data

    • Collection of Historical and Current Data: Before conducting the Mauri Compass assessment, it is crucial to gather baseline data about the site. This data should include historical information, previous environmental assessments, cultural narratives, and details of the current environmental conditions. Establishing a baseline allows for a clear comparison between the past and present states of the resource, highlighting any changes or degradation that may have occurred.
    • Engagement with Whānau, Kaumātua, and Local Experts: Involve the wider community, particularly kaumātua (elders) and those with deep knowledge of the area, in the data-gathering process. Oral histories, cultural stories, and traditional practices provide invaluable insights into the historical and spiritual significance of the site. This engagement ensures that the assessment is not only scientifically rigorous but also culturally meaningful.


  4. Apply the Mauri Compass


    • Conducting Field Assessments: With the baseline data in hand, use the Mauri Compass to conduct detailed field assessments of the selected site. This involves measuring various attributes such as water quality, biodiversity, the presence of taonga species (treasured species), and the strength of cultural connections to the site. The assessment should be thorough and consider both the physical and spiritual aspects of the environment.
    • Integration of Cultural and Scientific Perspectives: During the assessment process, it is important to integrate cultural values with scientific data. The Mauri Compass is designed to reflect both the tangible and intangible aspects of environmental health, ensuring a balanced evaluation that resonates with Māori worldviews. This integration provides a more comprehensive understanding of the impact of environmental threats on the mauri of the resource.


  5. Analyse and Document Findings


    • Data Analysis and Interpretation: After completing the field assessments, analyse the collected data to determine the overall mauri of the natural resource. This analysis should look for patterns or indicators of degradation, such as a decline in water quality, loss of biodiversity, or weakening of cultural ties to the site. The findings should be interpreted within the context of both environmental science and Māori cultural frameworks.
    • Comprehensive Documentation: Document the findings in a detailed report that clearly outlines the impact of the environmental challenge on the mauri of the site. The report should include visual aids such as graphs, maps, and photos to support the data, as well as narratives that convey the cultural significance of the findings. This documentation will serve as the foundation for legal and advocacy efforts, providing a clear and compelling case for protecting the natural resource.


  6. Engage in Legal and Community Advocacy


    • Preparation for Legal Proceedings: If the environmental challenge involves legal disputes, such as opposing resource consent renewals or advocating for the protection of a site, prepare to present the Mauri Compass findings as evidence. Work closely with environmental lawyers to ensure that the evidence is framed effectively within the legal context. The Mauri Compass report can be a powerful tool in court, demonstrating both the scientific and cultural reasons for opposing harmful activities.
    • Community Mobilisation and Advocacy: Engage the wider community in the advocacy process. This may involve organising hui (meetings), launching awareness campaigns, or working with local media to highlight the issue. Community mobilisation ensures that the iwi’s voice is heard and that there is strong public support for the environmental cause. In the case of Ngāti Mutunga, the community’s involvement was crucial in building momentum and reinforcing the iwi’s stance against Remediation New Zealand.


  7. Present the Findings


    • Formal Presentation at Hearings or Negotiations: Present the Mauri Compass assessment during formal hearings, negotiations, or other decision-making processes. Highlight the key findings of the assessment, emphasising how the degradation of mauri directly impacts both the environment and the cultural wellbeing of the iwi. The presentation should be clear, concise, and backed by the evidence documented in the report.
    • Incorporating Expert Testimony and Cultural Perspectives: Support the presentation with testimony from both iwi members and environmental experts. Kaumātua, cultural advisors, and scientists can provide additional context and reinforce the importance of the findings. Their combined perspectives help to create a more persuasive argument for protecting the natural resource.


  8. Monitor and Follow-Up


    • Ongoing Monitoring and Reassessment: Even after the initial advocacy efforts, continue to monitor the site using the Mauri Compass to track any changes in its condition. Regular reassessments ensure that any improvements or further degradation are documented, and that the iwi remains informed about the state of the natural resource. This ongoing monitoring can also provide evidence of the effectiveness of any mitigation measures that have been implemented.
    • Continuous Community Engagement and Updates: Keep the community informed about the progress of the advocacy efforts and any developments related to the site. Regular updates can be shared through newsletters, social media, or community meetings. Ensuring that the whānau remains engaged and informed helps to maintain collective support for the ongoing protection of the environment.


  9. Adapt and Improve


    • Reviewing the Outcomes and Effectiveness: After the environmental battle has concluded, take the time to review the outcomes of using the Mauri Compass. Consider what aspects of the process were successful and what could be improved in future efforts. This reflection is important for refining the approach and ensuring that the tool remains effective in addressing new challenges.
    • Updating Practices and Knowledge: Based on the review, make any necessary adjustments to the use of the Mauri Compass or the overall environmental strategy. This might involve updating the tool’s methodology, incorporating new scientific data, or enhancing the cultural components of the assessment. Continuous improvement ensures that the Mauri Compass remains a relevant and powerful tool for iwi in their role as kaitiaki.

Please Download These Files

1_ian_rurus_evidence.pdf
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2_anne_marees_evidence.pdf
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3_gary_bedfords_evidence.pdf
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4_jamie_tutas_evidence.pdf
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