Pā Whakawairua

Indigenous-led Research Collaboration for Sustainable Land and Marine Futures

Partner with Ngāti Pūkenga ki Tauranga

Ngāti Pūkenga ki Tauranga is a Māori iwi (tribal nation) based in Tauranga Moana, Aotearoa New Zealand. As tangata whenua (Indigenous Peoples) and kaitiaki (guardians) of land, freshwater, and marine ecosystems, we lead community-driven research that weaves Mātauranga Māori (Māori knowledge systems) with contemporary science to protect biodiversity, restore ecosystems, and build cultural and ecological resilience.

Pā Whakawairua is a phrase that refers to the intentional nurturing of mauri – the life force of people and place. This concept underpins our research vision and offers a platform for respectful, values-aligned collaboration with research institutions across Aotearoa and the world.

Research Focus

Central Question

What does a truly sustainable relationship with land and water require in a catchment occupied by Indigenous Peoples and other communities—including those engaged in nature-based economic activities?

Our Strengths

Ngāti Pūkenga delivers place-based, participatory research grounded in Indigenous ethics and designed with community at its core. Projects are co-created with whānau (families), especially kaumātua (elders) and rangatahi (youth), to ensure intergenerational benefit. Our people bring academic and applied experience in:

  • Coastal and marine ecology
  • Freshwater science and restoration
  • Biodiversity and native species conservation
  • Indigenous health and biotechnologies
  • Education, geography, and social anthropology

Key Research Areas

  • Indigenous Environmental Governance: Developing iwi-led frameworks for land and ocean planning.
  • Sustainable Land Use: Restoring degraded whenua (lands), regenerating forests, and supporting mana whakahaere (stewardship).
  • Marine and Coastal Knowledge: Combining Traditional Knowledge with ocean science to protect moana health and enhance food sovereignty.
  • Indigenous Innovation: Ethical research and development involving native species, biocultural knowledge, and ecosystem services.
  • Data Sovereignty: Protecting Māori control over genomic, environmental, and socio-economic data.

Partnership Opportunities

Ngāti Pūkenga actively collaborates with universities, Crown Research Institutes, Indigenous-led organisations, and public agencies to address shared environmental challenges. Our current and past partners include:

  • Te Kotahi Research Institute – University of Waikato
  • Plant & Food Research
  • NIWA – National Institute of Water & Atmospheric Research
  • Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research
  • NZ Landcare Trust and others

We welcome international collaborations, including those aligned with Horizon Europe missions on Ocean Health, Climate Adaptation, and Nature Restoration.

Our Research Ethos

We apply a whakapapa-centric and kaupapa Māori research approach that ensures:

  • Authentic community co-design and governance
  • Alignment with FPIC, UNDRIP, WIPO GRATK & the CBD Nagoya Protocol
  • Traditional Knowledge / Mātauranga Māori-led indicators and knowledge systems
  • Tangible, reciprocal benefits to Ngāti Pūkenga and local communities

Catchment Profile: Waitao

The Waitao catchment is the ancestral rohe (territory) of Ngāti Pūkenga ki Tauranga. Located just southeast of Tauranga city, it spans 3,700 hectares and includes:

  • The Waitao Stream and tributaries like Kaiate Stream, flowing into Rangataua Estuary
  • Rich native forest (50%), pasture (37%), exotic pine (8%), horticulture (3%), and rural-residential zones (2%)
  • A low-temperature geothermal system that feeds springs and wetlands

Ngāti Pūkenga has led restoration efforts in this catchment since 2003, partnering with Māori and non-Māori landowners, local councils, and research organisations. Activities include riparian fencing, native planting, wetland protection, organic farming, and invasive species control.

Explore Our Research

Get Involved

We invite research institutions, funders, and collaborators who share our values and aspirations to connect with us. Together, we can co-create knowledge systems that sustain land, water, and people.

Contact us to explore collaboration opportunities:

Rahera Ohia

Tel: +64 27 480 0137
Email: rahera.ohia@tapiriatu.co.nz
TAURANGA, AOTEAROA NEW ZEALAND