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Ko au ko te taiao, ko te taiao ko au
I am the environment and the environment is me
Knowledge Creation supports organisations seeking to adopt a taiao (environmental) focus by integrating culturally grounded approaches to sustainability and environmental stewardship. We provide expertise that helps organisations understand kaitiakitanga (guardianship) from a Te Ao Māori (Māori worldview) lens, ensuring that environmental decision-making reflects both ecological and cultural values. Our work includes guidance on project planning, restoration initiatives, regulatory compliance, and embedding Māori knowledge systems (mātauranga Māori) into operational practice. For organisations, this support delivers tangible benefits: strengthened environmental responsibility, improved engagement and partnership with iwi and hapū, culturally aligned policy and practice, and the ability to operate sustainably while honouring the interconnection between people, culture, and the natural environment.
Knowledge Creation supports organisations seeking to adopt a taiao (environmental) focus by integrating culturally grounded approaches to sustainability and environmental stewardship. We provide expertise that helps organisations understand kaitiakitanga (guardianship) from a Te Ao Māori (Māori worldview) lens, ensuring that environmental decision-making reflects both ecological and cultural values. Our work includes guidance on project planning, restoration initiatives, regulatory compliance, and embedding Māori knowledge systems (mātauranga Māori) into operational practice. For organisations, this support delivers tangible benefits: strengthened environmental responsibility, improved engagement and partnership with iwi and hapū, culturally aligned policy and practice, and the ability to operate sustainably while honouring the interconnection between people, culture, and the natural environment.
Hoe Taiao
Hoe Taiao
(2022 -2026) Environment Portfolio : Te Waiariki, Ngāti Kororā, Ngāti Takapari Hapu Iwi Trust
(2022 -2026) Environment Portfolio : Te Waiariki, Ngāti Kororā, Ngāti Takapari Hapu Iwi Trust
As the Project Lead for the Hoe Taiao - Environmental Portfolio I led the protection , restoration and sustainable management of the hapū taiao(environmental) portfolio. This approach included oversite of all environmental works on the whenua, in the awa, and moana to ensure that hapū tikanga was upheld and hapū aspirations were maintained. In addition the work encompassed culutral impact assessments and the management and review of all resource consents for the hapū and strategic environmental decision-making. Crown engagement with Whangarei District Council, Northland Regional Council, Te Papa Atawhai - Whangarei were a important part of this work. Undertaking cultural inductions with organisations who were working in the rohe. Site visits to confirm appropriate earth works. Stakeholder engagement with Crown agencies. Hapū environmental leadership and strategy. Taiao monitoring and kaitiakitanga (stewardship) practises.Hapū and whanau engagement. Project management and funding proposal writing. Strengthened partnerships that respect hapū rangatiratanga.
As the Project Lead for the Hoe Taiao - Environmental Portfolio I led the protection , restoration and sustainable management of the hapū taiao(environmental) portfolio. This approach included oversite of all environmental works on the whenua, in the awa, and moana to ensure that hapū tikanga was upheld and hapū aspirations were maintained. In addition the work encompassed culutral impact assessments and the management and review of all resource consents for the hapū and strategic environmental decision-making. Crown engagement with Whangarei District Council, Northland Regional Council, Te Papa Atawhai - Whangarei were a important part of this work. Undertaking cultural inductions with organisations who were working in the rohe. Site visits to confirm appropriate earth works. Stakeholder engagement with Crown agencies. Hapū environmental leadership and strategy. Taiao monitoring and kaitiakitanga (stewardship) practises.Hapū and whanau engagement. Project management and funding proposal writing. Strengthened partnerships that respect hapū rangatiratanga.
Te Mauri o ngā Awa
Te Mauri o ngā Awa
(2025 -2026) Freshwater Monitoring - Te Waiariki, Ngāti Kororā, Ngāti Takapari Hapu Iwi Trust, Hoe Taiao
(2025 -2026) Freshwater Monitoring - Te Waiariki, Ngāti Kororā, Ngāti Takapari Hapu Iwi Trust, Hoe Taiao
As Project Lead for the Freshwater Monitoring Programme I was instrumental in providing strategic oversight and coordination of fresh water quality monitoring activities across the awa and wider catchment in Ngunguru, Horahora, and Pātaua. The role included guiding the design and implementation of monitoring frameworks, supporting kaimahi to undertake fieldwork, and ensuring the collection and analysis of data aligns with both scientific methods and mātauranga Māori (Māori knowledge systems). Inanga scoping and assessment. Mudfish surveys and trapping. Through this work, the Project Lead helped to strengthen hapū capacity to uphold kaitiakitanga (environmental guardianship) of freshwater systems, while providing reliable information that supported environmental management, restoration planning, and informed decision-making for the protection of the awa (river) and taiao (natural environment). This also included the development of a hapū fresh water plan.
As Project Lead for the Freshwater Monitoring Programme I was instrumental in providing strategic oversight and coordination of fresh water quality monitoring activities across the awa and wider catchment in Ngunguru, Horahora, and Pātaua. The role included guiding the design and implementation of monitoring frameworks, supporting kaimahi to undertake fieldwork, and ensuring the collection and analysis of data aligns with both scientific methods and mātauranga Māori (Māori knowledge systems). Inanga scoping and assessment. Mudfish surveys and trapping. Through this work, the Project Lead helped to strengthen hapū capacity to uphold kaitiakitanga (environmental guardianship) of freshwater systems, while providing reliable information that supported environmental management, restoration planning, and informed decision-making for the protection of the awa (river) and taiao (natural environment). This also included the development of a hapū fresh water plan.
Climate Change & Adaptation Strategy
Climate Change & Adaptation Strategy
(2024- 2025) Te Waiariki, Ngāti Kororā, Ngāti Takapari Hapu Iwi Trust
(2024- 2025) Te Waiariki, Ngāti Kororā, Ngāti Takapari Hapu Iwi Trust
I was project lead for the development and implementation of a climate change and adaptation strategy supporting hapū planning and resilience. The role involved coordinating research, stakeholder engagement, and environmental monitoring while integrating mātauranga Māori (Māori knowledge systems) and Te Ao Māori (Māori worldview) to inform adaptation strategies. Responsibilities included project planning, partnership development with hapū, and agencies, and guiding initiatives that strengthen kaitiakitanga (environmental guardianship) including the long-term protection of whenua and wai. Crown engagement and working with agencies to present the work undertaken in the project. Project delivery and presentation to hapū and external agencies.
I was project lead for the development and implementation of a climate change and adaptation strategy supporting hapū planning and resilience. The role involved coordinating research, stakeholder engagement, and environmental monitoring while integrating mātauranga Māori (Māori knowledge systems) and Te Ao Māori (Māori worldview) to inform adaptation strategies. Responsibilities included project planning, partnership development with hapū, and agencies, and guiding initiatives that strengthen kaitiakitanga (environmental guardianship) including the long-term protection of whenua and wai. Crown engagement and working with agencies to present the work undertaken in the project. Project delivery and presentation to hapū and external agencies.
Haukāinga Moana
Haukāinga Moana
(2023) Kete Matauranga Trust
(2023) Kete Matauranga Trust
In 2023, the project embarked on a monitoring journey that involved two sites within the Te Waiariki rohe moana. Monthly monitoring dives were conducted at each of the sites. During the monitoring dives Kai tirotiro (observers) surveyed the sites recording a series of tirotiro (observatioins) according to the tohu of the rangi (sky), whenua (land) and moana(ocean). The maramataka was utilised to assist in providing the optimal times for monitoring and to assist in the triangulation of data. The tirotiro have provided in-depth understanding of the mahinga kai(food sources) for each of the sites which in turn has provided a detailed summary of data that can feed into a data base to better inform and measure mahinga kai site. The data was able to assist and clarify the appropriate measures for restoration and provide a baseline understanding of our rohe moana to ensure sustainable fisheries inform the future use of our mahinga kai.
In 2023, the project embarked on a monitoring journey that involved two sites within the Te Waiariki rohe moana. Monthly monitoring dives were conducted at each of the sites. During the monitoring dives Kai tirotiro (observers) surveyed the sites recording a series of tirotiro (observatioins) according to the tohu of the rangi (sky), whenua (land) and moana(ocean). The maramataka was utilised to assist in providing the optimal times for monitoring and to assist in the triangulation of data. The tirotiro have provided in-depth understanding of the mahinga kai(food sources) for each of the sites which in turn has provided a detailed summary of data that can feed into a data base to better inform and measure mahinga kai site. The data was able to assist and clarify the appropriate measures for restoration and provide a baseline understanding of our rohe moana to ensure sustainable fisheries inform the future use of our mahinga kai.
Tai Tamariki Moana
Tai Tamariki Moana
(2024) Kete Matauranga Trust
(2024) Kete Matauranga Trust
As the Project Lead for the Tai Tamariki Snorkelling Programme it involved the coordination of activities which encouraged rangatahi and tamariki to connect with and learn about the moana (ocean) through hands-on marine experiences. The role involved organising snorkelling and marine monitoring activities, supporting youth learning about coastal ecosystems, and fostering a deeper understanding of their role as kaitiaki (guardians) in the marine environment. Guided by Mātauranga Māori (Māori knowledge systems), the programme nurtured respect for the moana while strengthening whanaungatanga (relationships) between young people, their environment, and being custodians to care for the moana. This work helped build the next generation of environmental stewards who are now confident, knowledgeable, and committed to protecting the taiao for future generations.
As the Project Lead for the Tai Tamariki Snorkelling Programme it involved the coordination of activities which encouraged rangatahi and tamariki to connect with and learn about the moana (ocean) through hands-on marine experiences. The role involved organising snorkelling and marine monitoring activities, supporting youth learning about coastal ecosystems, and fostering a deeper understanding of their role as kaitiaki (guardians) in the marine environment. Guided by Mātauranga Māori (Māori knowledge systems), the programme nurtured respect for the moana while strengthening whanaungatanga (relationships) between young people, their environment, and being custodians to care for the moana. This work helped build the next generation of environmental stewards who are now confident, knowledgeable, and committed to protecting the taiao for future generations.
Te Pupuhuka a Tai
Te Pupuhuka a Tai
Haukāinga Monitoring Project (2018 - 2025) Kete Matauranga Trust
Haukāinga Monitoring Project (2018 - 2025) Kete Matauranga Trust
Pupuhuka a Tai is a haukāinga (local people) taiao (environmental ) restoration project located across three locations in Northland, New Zealand. An essential element of this project was the empowerment of whanau to be the key researchers of the Taiao in their haukāinga. The project began in 2018 and was guided by Matua Rereata Makiha and a small team of volunteers from their haukāinga. This project aimed to validate korero tuku iho (traditional knowledge sources), matauranga taiao (environmental knowledge) and traditional models of sustainable resource management in order to begin restoring the hauora (health) of the moana and taiao. The Pupuhuka a Tai kai tirotiro (observers) through their work and exploration of the maramataka (māori luncar calendar) were also able to make significant steps in their understanding of the takeke (garfish) species, the life cycle of this species, with the application of matauranga maori knowledge systems and the complimentary utilisation of DNA sampling. This information was pivotal to understand the associated whakapapa(origins) of complex ecosystems and how these interact together to maintain balance and survival of one another. The information gleaned from the rangahau (research) has contributed to a range of discussions extending to whanau, haukāinga, communities and agencies concerning Rahui (traditional restrictive) practise and the management of the takeke (garfish) and the manner in which decisions are being formulated in relation to legislation and bait fish and the ongoing fisheries management of these species.
Pupuhuka a Tai is a haukāinga (local people) taiao (environmental ) restoration project located across three locations in Northland, New Zealand. An essential element of this project was the empowerment of whanau to be the key researchers of the Taiao in their haukāinga. The project began in 2018 and was guided by Matua Rereata Makiha and a small team of volunteers from their haukāinga. This project aimed to validate korero tuku iho (traditional knowledge sources), matauranga taiao (environmental knowledge) and traditional models of sustainable resource management in order to begin restoring the hauora (health) of the moana and taiao. The Pupuhuka a Tai kai tirotiro (observers) through their work and exploration of the maramataka (māori luncar calendar) were also able to make significant steps in their understanding of the takeke (garfish) species, the life cycle of this species, with the application of matauranga maori knowledge systems and the complimentary utilisation of DNA sampling. This information was pivotal to understand the associated whakapapa(origins) of complex ecosystems and how these interact together to maintain balance and survival of one another. The information gleaned from the rangahau (research) has contributed to a range of discussions extending to whanau, haukāinga, communities and agencies concerning Rahui (traditional restrictive) practise and the management of the takeke (garfish) and the manner in which decisions are being formulated in relation to legislation and bait fish and the ongoing fisheries management of these species.
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