Te Kōrero a te Reporepo – Understanding the Connection Between Tohu, te Maramataka and the Health of te Taiao

Project Summary

Our tūpuna were experts in reading tohu o te taiao to live more attuned with the environment and gather kai at the optimal times. Their understanding of their own local taiao is recorded and woven throughout kōrero tuku iho. The maramataka is an example of kōrero tuku iho which provides a uniquely Māori way to record, organise and understand ngā tohu o te taiao.

In response to diminished eco-systems, several kura, marae, and hāpori around the Hokianga are exploring their own solutions to restoring the taiao and their pātaka kai, through the learnings imbedded in kōrero tuku iho. These kaupapa also strengthen identity and te reo ā-iwi, while rejuvenating the mātauranga and practices of our tūpuna.

Around the Hokianga, reporepo (swamplands) are particularly important as they influence and indicate the health of water ways and other connected ecosystems.

This study produced:

1) understanding of the connection between tohu of the reporepo, the phases of the maramataka, and the ‘health’ of local ecosystems

2) increased capacity of local rangatahi and whānau to explore and monitor their local environment utilising modern technologies alongside Māori knowledge, and 

3) learnings that promoted these practices to kura, marae, and hāpori throughout the Hokianga.

Lead Researcher

Dr Isaac Warbrick, Ngāti Te Ata, Ngāti Rangitihi, Ngā Puhi, Auckland University of Technology (AUT)

Research Team

Rereata Makiha, Te Mahurehure, Te Arawa, Independent

Dallas Williams, Te Mahurehure, Te Hikutu, Ngāti Kaharau, Ngāti Hau ki Hokianga, Independent

Valance Smith, Ngā Puhi, Waikato, AUT

Aylah Williams, Te Mahurehure, Te Hikutu, Ngāti Hau ki Hokianga, Ngāti Pukenga, Independent

Pairama Woodbury, Ngāti Korokoro, Te Hikutu – Ngāpuhi, Independent