Participants of the Haerenga Taiao Field Trip gathered to immerse themselves in Mātauranga Māori and explore pressing environmental issues at the Otāwhiwhi Marae in Bowentown. Nestled at the northern entrance of Tauranga Harbour, Otāwhiwhi Marae is a cornerstone of cultural and historical significance for Te Whānau o Tauwhao and the Ngāi te Rangi iwi. The field trip explored diverse and critical topics under the overarching themes of Mātauranga Māori, mana atua, whakapapa, and maramataka, offering insights into managing and adapting to our natural environment.
Programme Highlights
A powhiri welcomed attendees into the embrace of the marae’s wharenui, Tamaoho, and wharekai, Tauwhao.
Kaimai Mamaku Kauri – Phytophthora agathidicida (PA) Surveillance and Risk Mapping presentation, delving into the threat posed by PA to kauri forests.
Great White Shark Monitoring and Research presentation led by Manaaki Te Awanui— sharing insights into tikanga and practical approaches for interacting with Tauranga Moana’s marine life.
Nga Tohu o te Ao: Presentation on maramataka as a Marine Management Framework led by TMBC Co-Chair, Carlton Bidois.
Kei Hea nga Pāpaka: Asian paddle crab Monitoring and Updates from the Manaaki Te Awanui team. They presented their findings on the invasive Asian paddle crab and future plans to manage the pest effectively.
The success of the Haerenga Taiao Field Trip was a testament to the collaborative efforts of Otāwhiwhi Marae, Manaaki Te Awanui, and the TMBC Māori Caucus. A heartfelt thank you to our hosts and contributors for creating a day filled with connection, learning, and inspiration.
Together, we are forging stronger relationships and deeper understanding to better protect our environment for future generations.