Upskilling for the Future: GIS Story Mapping with Cawthron Institute

At Ngā Kaitiaki o Ngā Wai Māori, sharing our stories and protecting the mauri (life force) of our waterways go hand in hand. Recently, representatives from Te Uri Roroi, Ngāti Kahu o Torongare, Ngāti Hau, Te Orewai, and Te Parawhau gathered for an exciting opportunity to upskill in GIS Story Mapping technology with the Cawthron Institute in Nelson.

Purpose: Enhancing Storytelling through Technology

This training, delivered by Kati Doehring and Lisa Floerl of the Cawthron Institute, was a chance to learn how to create digital story maps that share the rich hītori (history) and ongoing mahi (work) of our rōpū (collective). The session brought together like-minded kaitiaki (guardians) from across the motu (country), including Ngāti Apa ki te Rā Tō - Te Tauihu, Otago Regional Council, and Ngāti Rārua.

GIS Story Mapping is more than just technology - it’s a way to weave our kōrero (narratives), mātauranga Māori (Māori knowledge), and modern tools into a platform that can reach people around the world.

Outcomes: Sharing Our Stories, Strengthening Connections

This training provided our rōpū with valuable new skills:

• Building Story Maps: We learned how to create compelling visual maps that highlight the mahi being done to restore our awa (rivers) and repo (wetlands).
• Whanaungatanga (Relationships): The hui was an opportunity to connect with new people and strengthen existing relationships with those who share our passion for caring for the taiao (environment).
• Expanding Our Network: Collaborating with other kaitiaki and regional councils helps us grow our collective mātauranga (knowledge) and extend the reach of our kaupapa (mission).

Acknowledgements: Gratitude for Our Partners

Our success in this training and beyond wouldn’t be possible without the relationships we’ve built over the years. E mihi kau ana ki a koutou ngā kaiāwhina:

• Our Funding Partners: Ministry for the Environment, NIWA, and our newest partner, Foundation North, whose support enables us to continue our mahi.
• Knowledge Sharing: The guidance and insights from DOC (Department of Conservation), Northland Regional Council, Whangārei District Council, and our farming community have been invaluable.
• Training Providers: Kati Doehring, Lisa Floerl, and the Cawthron Institute for delivering this empowering session.

Key Takeaways

• At the heart of this training was the importance of relationships - whanaungatanga. Together, through sharing skills and knowledge, we strengthen our ability to protect and restore the whenua (land) and wai Māori (water) for generations to come.
• GIS Story Mapping gives us a new way to share our journey with the world, ensuring that the voices of our tūpuna (ancestors), our hapū, and our taiao are heard and remembered.
• We look forward to applying these skills and continuing our mahi with the support of our partners, our whānau, and our communities.

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