Sprouts of knowledge: Weaving Te Ao Māori and the Western knowledges of Geography to further understand our ancestral landscapes

Jovan James Mokaraka-Harris (Ngapuhi, Te Rarawa & Ngati Wai), University of Otago

This study will explore the physical/ecological relationship hapū have with their ancestral landscape. New horizons will be sought as the study will seek to merge indigenous ecological knowledges with physical geography subdisciplines to produce a new understanding as to how the two knowledge bases can coexist and complement each other to enhance ancestral knowledges and understandings. A major focus will conduct an analysis of ancestral awa and the role hydrology can offer new insights into our relationships with awa.

 Another focus will seek to understand the historical presence of various native flora species, testing whether there is a relationship between ancestral place names and flora. For example, what is the relationship “Pukekauri” has with kauri tree based on soil analysis of that specific place moreover, what does the soil tell us about the historical presence of the kauri in that place. 

This is but a brief way in which this study aligns with Te Tai Ao research theme. In relations to Mauri Ora this study has a localised hapū approach which seeks to strengthen knowledge sovereignty amongst an indigenous identity that often becomes submerged beneath colonial perspectives of other indigenous entities. 

Finally, relating to Whai Rawa this research will both seek to contribute to the maintence of cultural hapū identity through the hapū specific knowledges compiled within this research whilst also crtitically assessing what the role such findings may hold in informing future indigenous policy relating to each ancestral landscape explored through-out this thesis. 

This study will work alongside various ancestral knowledge holders within hapū and other indigenous communities to revitalize and ethically build on the traditional knowledge that has been passed down through the generations. These manukura will be involved in the very production of the fruits that will come from this study, embarking on ancestral site visits, Participatory GIS mapping and wānanga.