Current Projects

Koiora assessment and monitoring of Ōngātoro (Maketu estuary) in the leadup and post-completion of the Kaituna Rediversion project.

This kaupapa is about determining the pre-rediversion cultural reference condition of Ōngātoro and doing regular monitoring over time to understand the changes that happen as a consequence of the 20% increase in freshwater being reintroduced to the estuary.

Our project has involved whānau of all ages from pēpi nohinohi, tamariki & rangatahi to pakeke & kōeke. Part funded by TAKT, Ngāti Pikiao ki Maketu and Toi Moana Regional Council.

An extension of Mana Ōngātoro and the monitoring of changes to Ōngātoro as a result of the rediversion, TAKT had a sophisticated outdoor camera system installed that streams continuous live video footage with time-lapse photographs taken hourly during the daytime (630am – 630pm) 7 days a week through-out each year.

Ōkarutai is able to be managed remotely via smartphone app. All Live footage is recorded and stored on a cloud server which will then send the data to our website where it will be uploaded and accessible.

Aim to pass on, grow and ‘test’ mātauranga [of Ōngātoro and moana] to the next generation. Includes delivery with focus on schools committed to kaupapa Maori of a Kura ō Maketu Mātauranga Māori programme to tuākana classes.

We are researching and gathering knowledge on changes to the estuary post diversion.

We have previously employed a Kairangahau Researcher who is ahikaa. Using a mātauranga Māori methodology. This was a great start to restoring the ahikaa as the pre-eminent knowledge holder of our estuary.

For us, our mahi is about filling our kete matauranga with relevant information and building a repository of matauranga for our future generations of kaitiaki. Funded by Vision Mātauranga, MBIE.

Working to reverse the historical damage to Little Waihi estuary and wider catchment through practical measures such as:

- Re-establishing sea grass beds to re-create habitat for fish and other life
- Removing excessive algae growth
- Working with landowners from upper reaches to halt sediment runoff and transport to the estuary where it accumulate and smothers kaimoana
- Ensuring river flows are sufficient to support natural flushing cycles
- Improving water quality
- Investigating land-based aquaculture of key species for restoration of fish and other kai populations
- Supporting Cawthron Institute in developing tools to manage paralytic shellfish poisoning.

TAKT would like to acknowledge Te Kotahitanga o Te Arawa Fisheries, Kōnect and the whānau who kindly agreed to installing Ōkarutai at their home.

Ka nui te mihi aroha ki a koutou katoa.