Our Services
Ngā Kaitiaki o Ngā Wai Māori, an organisation dedicated to ensuring a sustainable future for our whenua and wai Māori.
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Fish Passage
We monitor waterways to ensure tuna have clear migration routes, identifying and reporting any barriers to their movement. Our proactive approach helps us take swift action when passage is obstructed.
When obstacles are found, we work to remove or mitigate them, ensuring a safe passage for our taonga. This service supports sustainable fish populations and a thriving ecosystem.
GIS Mapping
We use advanced mapping techniques to cover every area of our rohe, reporting detailed data from key points along our waterways. This service integrates traditional knowledge with modern technology for comprehensive spatial insights.
Our GIS mapping supports informed decisions for sustainable water management. By tracking water quality, fish passage, and other vital parameters, we ensure a clear picture of our shared natural heritage.
Water Quality Monitoring
Ngā Kaitiaki o Ngā Wai Māori partnered with the Department of Conservation (DOC), to monitor Otaikarangi’s water quality and now use YSI technology at our own hapū awa. We measure key parameters to ensure our awa stays healthy.
We assess pH, DO%, conductivity, water clarity using Formazin Nephelometric Units (FNU), water temperature and water level to inform conservation efforts. This data-driven approach supports sustainable water management and the protection of our taonga.
Drain Clearing
Our annual drain clearing ensures debris and weeds don't clog pump stations during the dry summer months. This process protects water flow and prevents tuna from being stranded out of their natural habitat.
As kaitiaki, we focus on managing excess weeds while protecting the shelter fish require. We carefully relocate any tuna lifted by the digger, guiding them safely back to the water to ensure a healthier and more sustainable home for our taonga.
Fish Survey
At NKONWM, we survey our awa to understand current fish populations and water quality using electric fishing, fyke nets, and giminow traps. This data is essential for guiding our sustainable management of our taonga.
Our surveys inform future conservation strategies and ensure the wellbeing of our waterways. We work closely with local communities to share insights and promote a shared responsibility for protecting our natural heritage.
Protecting Our Collective Rohe Awa
Ngā Kaitiaki o Ngā Wai Māori (NKONWM) are a collective of hapū kaitiaki from the North Island of Aotearoa who care for a shared waterway in the upper Wairua sub catchment.
The NKONWM hapū are from within the Wairua catchment. The hapū are Ngāti Hau on the east coast, across the Hikurangi Repo to Ngāti Kahu o Torongare, moving along the Wairua awa, to te rohe awa o Te Orewai, towards the confluence where the Wairua awa joins the mighty Mangakahia River where the hapū of Poroti , Te Uri Roroi, and the hapū of Korokota, Te Parawhau are located.
Ngā Pou Matua
Pou Taiao
Environmental Stewardship
Our whenua (land) and awa (rivers) hold the mauri (life force) of our communities. At Ngā Kaitiaki o Ngā Wai Māori, we prioritise restoring the health of our natural resources, ensuring the repo (wetlands) and waterways thrive as habitats for taonga species like tuna (eel). Guided by the wisdom of our tīpuna (ancestors), we strive to heal the taiao (environment) for the well-being of all.
Pou Kaitiaki
Hapū & Community Working Together
Collaboration is the foundation of our mahi (work). We unite hapū and local communities to achieve shared goals of kaitiakitanga (stewardship). Together, through partnerships and collective efforts, we protect the whakapapa (genealogy) of our ecosystems and strengthen the bonds that connect us to the land and each other.
Pou Mokopuna
Future Generations
The decisions we make today shape the world our mokopuna (grandchildren) will inherit. By weaving mātauranga Māori (Māori knowledge) with modern science, we aim to restore the balance of our taiao, ensuring future generations can enjoy abundant waterways, vibrant biodiversity, and strong cultural connections to the whenua.
