About this research
Project Summary
Our tūpuna were experts in reading tohu o te taiao to live more attuned with the environment and gather kai at the optimal times. Their understanding of their own local taiao is recorded and woven throughout kōrero tuku iho. The maramataka is an example of kōrero tuku iho which provides a uniquely Māori way to record, organise and understand ngā tohu o te taiao.
In response to diminished eco-systems, several kura, marae, and hāpori around the Hokianga are exploring their own solutions to restoring the taiao and their pātaka kai, through the learnings imbedded in kōrero tuku iho. These kaupapa also strengthen identity and te reo ā-iwi, while rejuvenating the mātauranga and practices of our tūpuna.
Around the Hokianga, reporepo (swamplands) are particularly important as they influence and indicate the health of water ways and other connected ecosystems.
Research Question
How do observations of tohu in the reporepo, align with the maramataka, and local kōrero tuku iho in the Hokianga?
Lead Researcher
Dr Isaac Warbrick, Ngāti Te Ata, Ngāti Rangitihi, Ngā Puhi, Auckland University of Technology (AUT)
Research Team
Rereata Makiha, Te Mahurehure, Te Arawa, Independent
Dallas Williams, Te Mahurehure, Te Hikutu, Ngāti Kaharau, Ngāti Hau ki Hokianga, Independent
Valance Smith, Ngā Puhi, Waikato, AUT
Aylah Williams, Te Mahurehure, Te Hikutu, Ngāti Hau ki Hokianga, Ngāti Pukenga, Independent
Pairama Woodbury, Ngāti Korokoro, Te Hikutu – Ngāpuhi, Independent
Highlights
- Creating an understanding of the connection between tohu of the reporepo, the phases of the maramataka, and the ‘health’ of local ecosystems
- Increasing capacity of local rangatahi and whānau to explore and monitor their local environment utilising modern technologies alongside Māori knowledge
- Sharing learnings that promoted these practices to kura, marae, and hāpori throughout the Hokianga
This kaupapa explored the relationships between environmental tohu (signs) observed in reporepo (swamplands), the phases of the maramataka, and the health of local ecosystems in the Hokianga.
Kairangahau · Researchers
Associate Professor Isaac Warbrick
Ngāti Te Ata, Te Arawa, Ngā Puhi
Auckland University of Technology (AUT)
Associate Professor Isaac Warbrick (Ngāti Te Ata, Te Arawa, Ngā Puhi) is Director of Taupua Waiora Centre for Māori…
Associate Professor Isaac Warbrick
Dr Valance Smith
Ngāpuhi, Waikato, Ngāti Haina
Auckland University of Technology (AUT)
Dr Valance Smith (Ngāpuhi, Waikato, Ngāti Haina, Ngāti Pākehā) has recently been appointed to Assistant Pro-Vice…
Dr Valance Smith
Rereata Makiha
Ngāti Mahurehure, Te Aupouri, Te Arawa
Rereata Makiha is a distinguished expert in mātauranga Māori, with a profound understanding of ngā taka o te marama…
Rereata Makiha
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Dr Valance Smith
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