The reconnection between mana whenua and urban freshwaters to restore the mouri/life force of the Kaiwharawhara

Abstract

In Aotearoa New Zealand, Maori have long held close connections with their lands, mountains, seas, lakes, rivers, wetlands and other freshwater ecosystems. In 2017, Zealandia ecosanctuary based in Wellington partnered with the Maori organisation Taranaki Whānui ki Te Ūpoko o Te Ika, alongside several others, to restore native freshwater and forest ecosystems of the Kaiwharawhara Stream catchment. The Kaiwharawhara is the largest catchment in the city of Wellington, and despite urbanisation in surrounding areas it has high ecological and cultural values. The vision for the ‘Sanctuary to Sea’ initiative is that the life force of the Kaiwharawhara is healed, “Kia Mouriora te Kaiwharawhara”. We examine the key steps, challenges and opportunities that have emerged from this project. The individual perspectives of project partners highlight a common objective: Supporting iwi to reconnect with the land and water. Initiatives which help achieve this objective have included whānau days and the reintroduction of a mahinga kai species. Matauranga Maori and western science together informed the translocation of kakahi/freshwater mussels (Echyridella menziesii and E. aucklandica) into Roto Mahanga, Zealandia upper lake. This initiative provided a foundation for whānau engagement across ages, setting the scene for long-term collaboration. We discuss the ongoing project, the co-developed objectives and goals on which it is founded, and the development of open and collaborative partnerships that respect diverse knowledge systems.