Mapping Tuangi (cockle) populations using Māori knowledge to inform co-management practices in Ōhiwa harbour

About this research

PhD Researcher: Kiri Reihana (Ngā Puhi, Te Rarawa, Te Whakatōhea, Ngai Tūhoe) (UoW)            

Primary supervisor: Professor Kura Paul-Burke (UoW)

Project summary:

Tuangi populations in Ōhiwa harbour have steadily declined in size and abundance over the last century. Potential reasons for this decline include land-use changes resulting in increased delivery of sediments and nutrients to the harbour, pollution, predation and harvesting pressures (Environment Bay of Plenty, 2008; Bevan, 2018). With a paucity of knowledge on tuangi from the subtidal and intertidal zones of Ōhiwa harbour, iwi are struggling to participate in co-management decision-making regarding the long-term sustainability of these populations. The iwi of Ōhiwa harbour include Te Whakatōhea, Ngāti Awa and Ngāi Tūhoe. Their iwi environmental management plans identify the harbour as a significant pātaka kai (storehouse or pantry), mahinga kai or mātaitai (food collection places). Taonga species such as pipi and tuangi are recognised to hold significant cultural value (Whakatōhea, 1993; Environment Bay of Plenty, 2008; Johnson, 2012; Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Awa, 2019). However, there is no ready access to current information on the state of pipi and tuangi populations in Ōhiwa harbour. As a result, this study has been initiated by the iwi of Ōhiwa, led by Ngāti Awa to establish techniques and practices to provide information to assist in the co-management of Ōhiwa harbour.