Explore the historical context of Lake Karapiro to support Māori holistic wellbeing

Intern: Sade Gilbert-Perenise, Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Ngāti Raukawa te au ki te Tonga, University of Otago

Supervisor: Dr Robin Quigg, University of Otago

Summary:

This summer research project explored the historical context of Lake Karāpiro to support Māori holistic wellbeing. The intern undertook archival and literature research to uncover cultural narratives, mōteatea, and pūrākau connected to the lake, and analysed their significance for Māori wellbeing. The Meihana Model was examined as a framework to understand how environmental and cultural connections at Lake Karāpiro contribute to holistic health. The project was grounded in Indigenous perspectives, critiquing colonial narratives in park spaces and contributing to the decolonisation of environmental health frameworks. Findings were compiled into a final research report for Ngā Pae o te Māramatanga.