Te Kūwaha and Māori

Freshwater eels have an unusual life cycle which sees them travelling between the ocean, estuaries and freshwaters.

To prepare for changes in climate, our freshwater and oceans decision-makers need information on species vulnerability to climate change.

Tuna are found in all sorts of habitats (places), including coastal estuaries, lakes, wetlands, rivers, mountain streams and even alpine tarns.

What does science tell us about New Zealand freshwater mussels?

A number of individuals, organisations and hapū have contributed to the development of Ngā Waihotanga Iho.

Traditionally, tangata whenua have collected information about estuaries to monitor resources, such as kaimoana, and to make decisions about conservation measures, such as rähui. Increasingly, tangata whenua are using scientific tools to help monitor their natural resources and Ngä Waihotanga Iho provides a science perspective for talking about environmental issues and concerns related to estuaries.

Through the Te Wai Māori fund Ngā Repo o Maniapoto is a collaborative project between NIWA and the Maniapoto Māori Trust Board (MMTB) Whanake Taiao team that looks to develop an inventory of repo and puna (springs) for the Maniapoto rohe.

New Zealand’s freshwater and estuarine resources provide significant cultural, economic, social, and environmental benefits. Competition for the use of these resources is intensifying, and many rivers, lakes and estuaries are now degraded.

The tools available for restoring kōura to lakes and streams depend on what is causing kōura to decline.

Identifying the factors causing kōura numbers to decline will allow you to determine which restoration tools you need to employ.

Iwi has joined forces with councils and NIWA to restore an estuarine ecosystem to its former health.

NIWA is working alongside Māori to develop gateways to science and technology partnerships that are helping grow the Māori economy.