Rangitīkei Iwi Rohe Study
Ngā Puna Rau o Rangitīkei and Lakes380 team are partnering to study the health of lakes
Lakes/roto in the Rangītikei
(Ngā moana kei roto o te Rangitīkei)
The Lakes380 team have partnered with Ngā Puna Rau o Rangitīkei (NPRoR) to look at some of the lakes/roto within the Rangitīkei catchment, including:
- Lake Kawau, a significant lake for Ngā Wairiki Ngāti Apa.
- Lake Oporoa, of significant cultural importance to Ngāti Hauiti.
Whakahokia te mauri o Oporoa
The Whakahokia te mauri o Oporoa documentary tells the story of Lake Oporoa. It celebrates the commitment of Rangitīkei iwi to enhancing the life force and ecological health of Lake Oporoa. Partnering with Ngā Puna Rau o Rangitīkei, Lakes380 scientists have analysed lakebed sediment cores taken from Oporoa, producing a reconstruction of the lake’s environmental history.
Cultural footprints and connections
Ngā Puna Rau o Rangitīkei and Lakes380 are attempting to (re)trace the cultural footprints and connections to these lakes by examining their environmental history and through mātauranga Māori. By weaving together knowledge of the lake, this work will help to both reconnect with and revitalise these specific lakes, and to provide insight into the wider history of changes occurring throughout the Rangitīkei catchment. Such insights are intended to support NPRoR’s ongoing efforts to improve the health of the awa and roto by identifying the changes in the catchment, potential environmental reference states, and culturally and ecologically significant indicators.
Collaboration in the Rangitīkei
Ngā Puna Rau o Rangitīkei (NPRoR) is a collective made up of iwi and council representatives within the Rangitīkei catchment who are working to implement a more strategic and collaborative approach to improving the health and well-being of the Rangitīkei Awa. NPRoR involves representatives from:
- Ngā Wairiki Ngāti Apa
- Ngāti Hauiti
- Ngāi Te Ohuake
- Ngāti Whitikaupeka
- Ngāti Tamakōpiri
- Horizons Regional Council
- Rangitīkei District Council
Other collaborative projects
NPRoR have worked collaboratively on a suite of catchment wide projects, including:
- Initiatives to reconnect Rangitīkei iwi, hapū, whānau and communities with the awa/catchment
- Native tree planting and enhancement work at priority sites
- Development of a cultural monitoring framework that combines mātauranga Māori and western science
