Waikanae Awa Tipuna Restoration Project

Leading from the Land -

Project Case study

Project Outline

This project seeks to restore the mauri, mana, and wairua of our awa through the revitalisation and practical integration of Ngai Tāwhiri mātauranga into local restoration planning. Our aim is to weave cultural knowledge, environmental science, and community collaboration into sustainable, intergenerational outcomes for both people and the awa.

The Waikane awa is an important place within Turanga Gisborne for Ngai Tāwhiri hapu and Rongowhakaata iwi. It has been significantly altered from its true form being used as theGisborne landfill, discharge from industry and earthworks affecting its mauri and ecosystem over the last century.
Learning Goals

This kaupapa builds whānau knowledge and capability to support ongoing restoration and future projects on our whenua.
Improved freshwater health along the Waiomoko River through native planting, increased resilience of the river and strengthened whānau connection to the whenua through collective, hands on kaitiakitanga.

Phase 1 Research and Identification – Identify six examples of Ngai Tāwhiri mātauranga relevant to environmental guardianship (kaitiakitanga).

Phase 2 Knowledge sharing - Whānau, Hapu and Community Wānanga. Workshops with hapū, industry, and community members to prioritise and integrate mātauranga insights into the Waikanae Awa Tipuna Restoration Plan.