Acknowledgements
ERMA New Zealand would like to thank a number of people for their help and support of the Tikanga and Technology wānanga, particularly the whānau from Te Whare o Toroa marae for taking good care of us over the 3 days.
Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Awa co-hosted the wānanga and spent a number of hours helping to organise it. Thank you very much Te Kei Merito and the teams at the Rūnanga - Environment Ngāti Awa; Te Tohu o te Ora o Ngāti Awa; SWAP (Sawmill Workers Against Poisons); and members of Te Ohu mō Papatūānuku - for sharing and discussing local knowledge and experiences with Network members.
We would also like to thank Zack Bishara (Ngāti Ranginui and Ngāti Tuwharetoa) for his facilitation of the wānanga to encourage and enhance member participation.
Thank you also to Māori National Network members who continue to support and contribute to ERMA New Zealand kaupapa.
About ERMA’s Tikanga & Technology Wānanga
In 2008, at the request of the Māori National Network, the first Tikanga and Technology wānanga was held in Wellington to discuss new and emerging technologies and how they may impact on our lives.
The Network then expressed a clear desire to hold another wānanga to focus on tikanga relating to these technologies. ERMA New Zealand recognised the value to be gained from the sharing and discussing of tikanga-based information to inform HSNO Act decision making. As a result, Ngāti Awa was approached, and agreed to host Part II of the Tikanga and Technology wānanga in Whakatāne.
The tikanga focus will now continue as a series of wānanga to focus on how technologies have impacted on Māori groups around the country. The next wānanga, Tikanga & Technology III will be held in Te Tai Tokerau.
This report provides a summary of the Tikanga & Technology II wānanga held in Whakatāne in October 2010.
The purpose of this second wānanga was to share and discuss a Ngāti Awa perspective on tikanga and technology. It did this by focussing on a SWAP project to clean up contaminated sites in the Whakatāne area, how science and technology is being used to assist this project, and how tikanga has been affected during the process.
Eighty-one participants attended the wānanga over the 2½ days. Participants included representatives from Ngāti Awa and other iwi/Māori groups from nearby areas, as well as current and new Network members, all of whom deal with resource or environmental issues in their own areas. ERMA New Zealand Authority and Ngā Kaihautū members attended as well as Kaupapa Kura Taiao staff.
Day 1: Tikanga & Technology II - Te Timatatanga
After the formalities of the pōwhiri and mihimihi, Te Kei Merito (Chairman of Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Awa and Deputy Chair of Ngā Kaihautū Tikanga Taiao), gave a presentation on the following;
· The Maui nation settlement period
· The arrival of the kūmara
· Mataatua waka
· Links to Mauke Island
· The Hawaikian settlement period
· Mai Ngā Kuri ā whare ki Tihirau
· Wairaka
· Tuaukiuki
After this presentation, participants were taken on a site visit to Kaputerangi (a maunga close to the marae), which is commonly referred to as the pa of Toi Kai Rakau. From this site many of the landmarks of great significance to the Mataatua iwi can be seen including Whakaari, Tihirau, Pūtauaki, Te Moana ā Toi, and Te Paepae ki Aotea.
Te Pou Mataaho – a Māori Health Framework
Enid Ratahi-Pryor (Manager, Te Tohu o Te Ora o Ngāti Awa) and Pouroto Ngaropo (Cultural Advisor, Ngāti Awa) gave a presentation on Te Pou Mataaho, a Māori framework that delivers its services and programmes based upon the teachings of Ngāti Awa Tupuna. Te Pou Mataaho provides a programme framework for whānau that is spiritually and culturally connected.
The framework is based on four pou:
· Te Pou o Hineahuone – knowledge of and connection between people through whakapapa.
· Te Pou o Hineititama – connection through the whenua to your place of identity.
· Te Pou Ihorangi – represents the spiritual and cultural beginnings of whānau originating from the spiritual creator known as Io Matuakore.
· Te Pou Aoturoa – recognises the world around us and all of the influences both negative and positive that contribute to our development.
Enid and Pouroto provided an overview of the interface between environmental contamination and effects on human health, from a Ngāti Awa perspective. Enid also outlined the aspirations of Ngāti Awa Social and Health Services (NASH) and SWAP, in addressing these issues.
The presentation also gave hui participants a waiata oriented tour of Ngāti Awa rohe.
Day 2: Te Ohu Mō Papatūānuku and the Bioremediation Project
Joe Harawira (SWAP co-ordinator, Te Ohu Mō Papatūānuku Chair, NASH member, ERMA Network member) provided information about SWAP. He described how they were established, and the work they have been doing over the last 30 years to bring together mātauranga Māori and western science, to better understand chemical sensitivity, for the health and well being of the environment and people.
The project is tangata whenua initiated and involves scientists, councils, and policy agencies in response to concerns for the health of the whenua, awa and people. An approach was made with the interested parties to develop a project for bioremediation of PCP and dioxin contaminated sites within the Whakatāne district and beyond. It also aims to build capacity within Ngāti Awa of the science project management, execution and delivery. The project aims to enhance the wellness of Ngāti Awa, and establish a model for multi-partisan engagement in participation, in a tangata whenua initiated research programme.
Mataatua Reserve and Bioremediation Trials – Site Visits
A visit to the Mataatua Reserve was planned, but due to bad weather, this was not possible. However, Te Kei Merito and Joe Harawira gave a brief talk about the Reserve and its significance to local Māori. The Reserve is also a contaminated site.
Wānanga participants travelled to the Whakatāne Mill to visit the site where the bioremediation trials are taking place. Advisory Board and Technical Team members of Te Ohu Mo Papatūānuku talked about what was involved in the bioremediation process and the science and technology methods that were being used for the trials.
There was discussion about tikanga issues that arose throughout the project and how these were addressed.
Te Ohu Mō Papaptūānuku Presentations
Once participants had returned to the marae, presentations were given by members of Te Ohu Mō Papatūānuku, and other participating groups, about the details of the trials and their involvement with the project. There are currently three types of trial being carried out as part of the project.
Radionics trials (Steve Clark)
Probitas Systems NZ Ltd has been trialling radionic processes as a method of removing toxins from contaminated soil. This is an early trial of the technology producing some interesting and potentially positive results. Further work is planned as part of this trial.
Mico and Phyto remediation trials (Dr Joanne Kelly [Science Contractor Putaruru], Dr Chris Anderson [Senior Lecturer, Massey, Palmerston North]
Mico-remediation is the use of fungi to break down contaminants. Phyto-remediation is the use of plant processes to improve the environment by the extraction, degradation or management of soil contaminants.
This presentation re-capped information provided at the site visit and advised on the science aspects of the project. The presenters talked about what science is and the scientific process that was carried out. An objective of the bioremediation trials is to collect evidence and data to support recommendations for bioremediation of the Kopeopeo Canal. There was discussion around the types of fungi and plants (native, non-native) being used, and about monitoring of the trials.
Restoring the Mauri of People and Places
(Dr Mere Roberts; Liliana Clarke and Tracey Godfery [Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiarangi])
This presentation provided discussion about restoring the mauri of tangata whenua and Papatūānuku and whether bioremediation alone will restore the health and wellbeing of the people and the environment, and if it will restore the mauri. It was noted that it is not the role of science to restore mauri.
Three objectives for Te Ohu Mo Papatūānuku were to build capacity of the people as scientists, managers and rangatahi; to conduct the bioremediation project; and to research perceptions of tangata whenua associated with contaminated sites.
There was discussion about putting the mauri back into the people and the place, and the research questions asked around the perceptions of tangata whenua associated with these sites. The questions looked at how those affected by sawmill contamination perceive the effects on themselves and their environment; how they describe ‘good health’ and ‘well being’ of themselves, and the environment; whether scientific bioremediation is sufficient to restore human and environmental well being; and what other scientific or cultural measures might be needed.
The presentation also provided information about some differences between science and mātauranga and discussed whether mātauranga putaiao is science.
Participants were reminded that the bioremediation project in Whakatāne is based around the Ngāti Awa perspective and that each area is different. It is about how we behave and look after ourselves.
The Bioremediation Project – from a Participants Perspective
Paul Futter (Environment Bay of Plenty) and Graeme Millar (Whakatāne Mill)
A presentation was given about EBOP and Whakatāne Mill involvement in this project. They noted that there were a lot of different perceptions from different participants about the project and its outcomes. Perceptions were around benefits, risks, expectations, past history, trust, and the results. There needed to be resolution ‘up front’, of any major differences to goals and expectations, if the project was to succeed. This involved a lot of meetings and working together to progress positive outcomes.
There were concerns from participants about being careful undertaking projects like this where scientists and government funding agencies are involved. When government funding is involved the project is usually driven by politics.
The presentation was summed up by explaining the key items to the success of the project from EBOP and the Whakatāne Mill’s perspectives which included having trust in the people they worked with, and focussing on the goal and acceptance of the current situation as the starting point. Discussions needed to be tailored to the stage of the process (initially one to one, then small group, then wider group) and ensuring there was time for internal and external alignment. It was also important that the facilitator of the project was trusted by everyone, and that goals were captured in a defined scope document. Ongoing dialogue is important.
Workshop
The hui was split into groups to discuss issues participants had in their own areas around how contamination impacts on tikanga and technology to determine how Māori can use this Ngāti Awa example to be involved in remediation of hazardous sites. Discussions also looked at the value of relationships with authorities, to build a dual ‘win’ situation within their own communities. (Workshop notes available on request.)
Day 3: How this Relates to HSNO
The final session of the wānanga was in te reo Māori and included a panel of kaumātua from the area, who reflected with participants on how the discussions of the wānanga link with the HSNO Act.
The discussion can be summarised into the following areas:
· cultural practises and their relevance in today’s decision making processes and taking into account Māori perspectives;
· take home messages to our own communities; and
· participant’s views on our descendants inheritance if they are less active in Kaitiakitanga.
At the end of this session, Ngāti Awa handed the Mauri of this wānanga to representatives of Te Tai Tokerau.
Participant Evaluation Feedback
To ensure that Kaupapa Kura Taiao continues to meet the needs of the Network, evaluation feedback forms are provided for participants’ comments. A summary of those comments is provided below.
(1) Respondents noted that the presentations were interesting and very informative. However, one respondent asked for more technical detail within the presentations, to push their learning.
(2) The presentation by Joe Harawira (SWAP) was highly commended. Joe spoke of his personal struggle to understand science and the need to educate himself to help his cause. His success at gaining recognition through the bioremediation project was acknowledged and enlightening for participants. The site visit to the project facility gave even more context to his korero.
(3) Participants thought the Māori health framework presentation ‘Te Pou Mataaho’ was very interesting. Respondents noted the depth of the tikanga korero given by Pouroto Ngarapo.
(4) Feedback from participants (both verbal and written) regarding the facilitator of the wānanga was positive.
(5) Some respondents said it was good to get away from the standard hui topics, and concentrate more on specific iwi kaupapa/values and that we should continue the diversity of relevant topics. Some also felt there could have been more hapū participation in facilitation and setting the programme.
(6) Overall the feedback was positive. Kaupapa Kura Taiao are still receiving verbal feedback about the wānanga from participants and also from people who have heard about the wānanga and are asking to attend the next one in Te Tai Tokerau.
Copies of the report and presentations given at the wānanga can be obtained from the ERMA website www.ermanz.govt.nz. Any feedback or comment on this report or about the wānanga should be forwarded to:
Linda Faulkner
Manahautū (General Manager Māori)
ERMA New Zealand
PO Box 131
Wellington
ph: 04 918 4836
fax: 04 914 0433
Participant List
Abraham Witana / Te Rūnanga o Te Rarawa, Kaitaia
Aidan Ashmore / Tauranga Moana
Bella Tuau / Ngā Kaihautū member, Hamilton
Beverley Hughes / Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Awa, Whakatāne
Bill Blake / Mahia
Billy Brown / Ngāi Tai ki Tamaki, Auckland
Bonnie Savage / Ngāti Awa, Whakatāne
Charlie Bluett / Te Runanga o Ngati Awa, Whakatāne
Chris Anderson / Massey University, Palmerston North
Chris Webber / Rotorua
Clark Jaram / Chair, Wairaka Marae, Whakatāne
Claude Keepa / Kaumātua, Wairaka Marae, Whakatāne
Darcia Solomon / Ngā Kaihautū member, Kaikoura
Dave Beamish / Ngāi Tai ki Tamaki, Auckland
Dave McKay / Dunedin
Des Heke Kaiawha / Papatūānuku Services, Tauranga-Moana
Donnelly McPherson / Omataroa Rangitaiki No. 2 Trust, Kawerau
Eden Luke / Tauranga Moana
Emma Gibbs-Smith / Te Pataka Mātauranga Charitable Trust, Russell
Enid Ratahi-Pryor / Te Tohu o Te Ora O Ngati Awa, Whakatāne
Eula Toko / Technician, Bioremediation Project, Whakatāne
Fred Allen / Te Atiawa Pipitea Marae, Lower Hutt
Graeme Millar / Whakatāne Mill
Hamiora Faulkner / Tauranga Moana
Hoani Langsbury / Te Runanga o Otakou Inc, Dunedin
Hohepa McLean / Tuhoe Services Trust, Waimana
Holden McCalum / Tauranga Moana
James Ataria / Ngā Kaihautū member, Christchurch
Janine Copeland / Ngati Awa, Whakatāne
Jason Downes / Tauranga Moana
Jean McCauley / Whakatāne
Jeff Lee / Ngāi Tai ki Tamaki, Auckland
Jim Doherty / Tuhoe Tuawhenua Trust, Murupara
Joanne Kelly / Science Consultant, Putaruru
Joe Harawira / Ngāti Awa Social and Health Services, Whakatāne
Joe Harawira / Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Awa, Whakatāne
Joe Mason / Omataroa Rangitaiki No. 2 Trust, Kawerau
Julie Sparham / Tauranga Moana
Justin Kere / Tiakina te Taiao Ltd, Nelson
Keith Beale / Te Wairua o Te Ora, Waimana
Lillian Toki / Hokianga
Lilliana Clarke / Researcher, Bioremediation Project, Whakatane
Linda Faulkner / ERMA New Zealand, Wellington
Mahina-a-Rangi Baker / Wellington
Maraea Faulkner / ERMA New Zealand, Wellington
Maree Pene / Te Kotuku Whenua Consultants, Hamilton
Mark Tito / Whakatāne Mill
Max Suckling / ERMA Authority Member, Christchurch
Mere Roberts / University of Auckland
Mick Park / Te Atiawa Manawhenua ki te Tau Ihu Trust, Motueka
Morry Black / Ngati Kahungunu Iwi Inc, Hastings
Ngaire Manning / Kaeo
Nikora Pearson / Tauranga Moana
Pakitai Raharuhi / Te Runanga o Ngati Pikiao, Rotorua
Patrick Gemmell / ERMA New Zealand, Wellington
Patsy Wilson / Te Rūnanga o Turanganui a Kiwa, Napier
Paul Borrell / Tauranga Moana
Paul Futter / Environment Bay of Plenty, Whakatāne
Phil Wilcox / Scion, Rotorua
Pita Paul / Tairawhiti District Health, Gisborne
Pouroto Ngarapo / Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Awa, Whakatāne
Rawinia Puna / Dunedin
Riritahi Williams / Whakatāne
Rose Austen / MED, Wellington
Shae Brooks / Tauranga Moana
Shaun Ogilvie / ERMA Authority Member, Christchurch
Steve Clark / Whakatāne
Te Kei Merito / Ngā Kaihautū member, Rotorua
Tipene Marr / Maori Representative, Whakatāne Regional Council
Tipene Wilson / Maximize Consultancy Ltd, Hamilton (Facilitator)
Tommy Wilson / Tauranga Moana
Tracey Godfrey / Whakatāne
Violet Walker / Te Taumata Kaumātua o Ngāpuhi, Kaeo
Waaka Vercoe / Omataroa Rangitaiki No. 2 Trust, Kawerau
Waitangi Wood / Auckland
Wayne Hudson / Turangi
Whaiora Brown / Omataroa Rangitaiki No. 2 Trust, Kawerau
Wiki Walker / Ngā Kaihautū member, Auckland
Wiremu Ruru / Te Rūnanga o Turanganui a Kiwa, Gisborne
Zack Bishara / Facilitator, Wellington
Apologies