Māori-determined extreme weather fund

Māramataka as a Tribal Response to develop a Ngai Tai Climate-Driven Extreme Weather Adaptation Plan.

Ngai Tai will develop a comprehensive Climate-Driven Extreme Weather Adaptation (CDEWA) Plan that integrates our Ngai Tai Māramataka-based approach with scientific insights. This plan will serve as a blueprint for sustainable resource management, land-use planning, and developing climate-resilient infrastructure in the wider Ngai Tai freshwater and coastal region.

Climate Adaptation Grounded in Maramataka, A Ngāi Tai Response to a Changing Climate

Ngāi Tai has long been guided by the maramataka, our ancestral system of environmental knowledge based on lunar and seasonal cycles. This sophisticated system uses indicators like moon phases, tides, bird and fish migrations, plant behaviour, and weather patterns to guide daily and seasonal activities such as planting, fishing, and gathering rongoā. However, climate change is disrupting these natural rhythms. Rising temperatures, shifting rainfall, sea-level rise, and biodiversity loss affect the reliability of our tohu, threatening practical activities like mahinga kai as well as the deeper tikanga and knowledge systems essential to iwi identity and wellbeing.

With support from the Māori-Determined Extreme Weather Fund, Ngāi Tai has revitalised and expanded the maramataka as a living, adaptive tool, consistent with Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research, to guide climate responses. Our maramataka informs wānanga timing, iwi engagement, and intergenerational knowledge sharing, helping tamariki and kaumātua read and respond to a changing environment.

Recognising the scale of the challenge, we engaged key subcontractors to complement our mātauranga and strengthen our plan. WSP’s climate and risk specialists provided technical modelling that translated broad climate projections into local scenarios. NIWA’s flood and coastal scientists contributed detailed data on rainfall, temperature, and coastal hazards, which validated maramataka observations and contextualised tohu within broader climate patterns. Geospatial mapping experts integrated hazard data with iwi knowledge to produce spatial tools showing risks across the rohe, while facilitators ensured meaningful hui engagement and designers created accessible communication tools.

Over the past year, we developed a climate adaptation plan grounded in maramataka, shaped by our values, and led by iwi voices. Our approach drew on whakapapa, tikanga, and our ability to interpret tohu to co-design iwi-specific responses aligned to natural cycles, priorities and needs. Through wānanga, observations, and mapping, whānau identified environmental changes such as shifting bird and fish patterns, whenua vulnerabilities, and more frequent extreme weather, which guided practical actions.

Key achievements include:

• creating a living maramataka-based climate adaptation plan specific to Ngāi Tai;
• building whānau capacity to interpret tohu and guide decisions;
• integrating climate resilience into kura learning through seasonal tracking and hands-on observation; and
• producing iwi-led adaptation priorities.

This project has reinforced Ngāi Tai’s mana motuhake in climate decisions, showing that adaptation is not just technical but also a cultural and relational responsibility that sustains community wellbeing. The collaboration has also shifted partners’ practice. “This is what genuine partnership looks like,” says Richard from WSP. “It’s a model we’ll carry forward, where adaptation is scientifically robust and culturally meaningful.”

Concrete outcomes include kura-led monitoring of climate indicators aligned with maramataka, iwi wide initiatives to enhance food and water resilience through coordinated māra kai and water storage practices, and early planning for climate-resilient infrastructure to ensure future upgrades are designed for extreme events. The work is ongoing, and this is only the beginning. What we have achieved demonstrates the power of an iwi-led, maramataka-based approach. It offers not only practical outcomes for our own people, but also a model of indigenous climate leadership grounded in place, relationship and mātauranga tuku iho. We look forward to continuing this kaupapa, with the taiao as our guide and the next generations at the centre of our vision.

Te Tirohanga a Toi is a unique blend of modern science and mātauranga Māori, focusing on developing effective strategies for weather-related challenges.

Our team recognises the importance of incorporating the wisdom and values of local Māori communities, including Te Whānau ā Apanui, Ngāi Tai, and Whakatōhea Iwi. This collaboration is essential, as the solutions we aim to develop must resonate with those in the regions most affected by extreme weather.

An essential aspect of our project is its emphasis on community involvement. We believe that the people of Toirāwhiti, who are the most familiar with their environment and its challenges, must be at the forefront of this initiative. Their insights are invaluable in ensuring that our strategies are practical and culturally appropriate.

Furthermore, we are excited to involve KO Kollective and Ōpōtiki College students interested in marine, environmental, and climate sciences. This is an opportunity to mentor the next generation of scientists and integrate their perspectives into our research.

Our goal is to develop a flexible and effective strategy for weather-related emergencies tailored to the needs of Toirāwhiti but also applicable to other coastal communities worldwide. By combining scientific approaches with traditional Māori knowledge, we aim to create solutions that address weather-related challenges and uphold and respect cultural values.

This project is more than a research initiative; it's a partnership for a resilient and culturally rich future. Join us in developing sustainable and culturally informed strategies to combat weather-related challenges.

Te Tirohanga a Toi was a Māori-led research project to strengthen the resilience of Eastern Bay Māori communities against extreme weather events. By combining scientific research with mātauranga Māori, the project developed culturally relevant, community-driven strategies to protect low-lying papakāinga and marae from natural hazards like flooding, coastal erosion, and storms.

The project's objectives were to empower local Māori communities to lead their resilience efforts, enhance weather emergency management, and address knowledge gaps in understanding weather-related risks. Throughout the journey, the research team worked closely with Whakatōhea and Te Whānau-a-Apanui, local councils and other key stakeholders. This collaboration brought together traditional Māori knowledge and scientific data to create practical strategies for protecting communities from the growing threats posed by climate change.

Significant Achievements:

• The project brought together iwi and science experts to collect vital data on natural hazards and risks.
• A framework for disaster preparedness and recovery was developed, blending mātauranga Māori and scientific knowledge in a practical and culturally appropriate way.
• A comprehensive timeline was created, documenting local weather events and their impact on Māori communities.
• Critical knowledge gaps were identified, and actionable recommendations were made to boost regional resilience.

Impact on Communities:

The project directly and positively impacted the communities involved by giving them the tools to take control of their emergency preparedness. By combining traditional knowledge with modern science, the project helped communities better understand their unique risks and take steps to protect themselves. The outcomes also supported the development of culturally sensitive infrastructure and plans to protect marae, papakāinga, and other vital cultural sites.

Actions Taken:

• Marae and papakāinga-specific emergency preparedness plans commenced.
• Ongoing engagement with local iwi ensured the strategies remained relevant and responsive to the community's needs.
• Reconnecting and building strong relationships with the Bay of Plenty Civil Defence Emergency Management (CDEM) team, ensuring iwi voices were heard in regional emergency management strategies.

Tokomaru Bay has experienced six weather events in the past two years, which have become more frequent and severe due to the land’s vulnerability. Consequently, our awa, moana, and the overall oranga of our taiao have been adversely affected.

The extreme weather events have resulted in the isolation of our whānau and hapū, as well as significant environmental transformations. Understanding the impact of these changes on the mauri of the taiao and our people is crucial.

We aim to develop a framework and create a resource that supports whānau to observe and monitor the taiao within their own takiwā. This resource could be utilised by other whānau.

The overall objective of this ongoing research project serves as an essential introduction or baseline for developing a long-term, sustainable solution. By establishing a solid starting point, this research will lay the groundwork for future initiatives that aim to address the challenges posed by climate change and land use. It will help inform decision-making processes and aim to guide the implementation of effective measures.

As Ahi-Kaa we have lived first-hand experience of the devastation and impacts that the severe weather events have had on our taiao and our whānau. Whilst we witness the daily effects of these changes, it is crucial to delve beyond the surface and gather accurate information through a range of data collection tools in order to establish a baseline assessment of the health of our taiao.

Arahanga Taiao: Pathways to restoring our Mana Taiao

The Arahanga Taiao project has empowered our whānau of Tokomaru Bay to lead environmental restoration efforts by combining Mātauranga Māori with modern scientific tools. Our goal was to understand the impact of significant environmental changes on the mauri of the taiao and develop sustainable, place-based solutions that strengthen local kaitiakitanga (guardianship) and ensure resilience against extreme weather events.

Our approach and achievements

We developed and implemented three key methodologies for the project:

• Wharau Framework - A community-led, place-based decision-making model that promotes local stewardship and environmental sustainability. Inspired by traditional temporary shelters, it symbolises adaptability and collective engagement with the environment. This method emphasises physical presence, collaborative decision-making, and hands-on learning to address ecological challenges effectively.
• Te Whakapapa o te Wai - A whakapapa-based framework that reconnects people with water systems, revealing historical ecological shifts. This helped identify lost wetlands and their role in flood mitigation.
• The Tiro Method - A reflective observation system that tracks environmental changes using maramataka (Māori lunar calendar) and tohu (environmental signs). This strengthened our ability to predict weather patterns and ecological shifts.

By integrating these methodologies with scientific tools like eDNA testing, water quality monitoring, and rapid habitat surveys, we created an effective environmental monitoring system that is grounded in Mātauranga Māori, community-driven and scientifically robust.

Impact on the community

Through our work, we have:

• Engaged over 50 whānau including mokopuna, rangatahi and kaumatua in wānanga (workshops) and field studies.
• Strengthened local knowledge and capability in environmental monitoring.
• Assisted in forming and contributed to local Water Catchment Groups
• Shared insights at national conferences and on public platforms such as YouTube and leadership events.

Moving Forward

The success of Arahanga Taiao demonstrates that indigenous knowledge, when combined with science, creates powerful solutions for environmental resilience. We look forward to expanding our efforts and continuing to support communities in restoring and protecting their natural environments.

This Project draws together kōrero tuku iho (traditional stories) and hazardscape science to create a pathway to strengthen kaitiakitanga under a changing climate.

The project encompasses six aims that weave mātauranga Māori, geospatial data, simulation modelling, and visualisation to create the crucial and accessible evidence required to support the northern Hawkes Bay Hapū (represented by Maungaharuru-Tangitū Trust) and the rural community in their efforts to recover and plan a sustainable future for the takiwā (traditional Hapū area), by:

1. Fostering Hapū reconnection to Te Taiao through wānanga to reignite kōrero tuku iho (traditional knowledge)
2. Mapping landscape changes and estimating erosion and deposition volumes across the takiwā. Identifying ‘hotspots’ and linking these with regional variability in land-cover/use, topography and geology
3. Predicting future river instability ‘hotspots’ as material eroded during Cyclone Gabrielle is remobilised and transported from Maungaharuru (mountain range) sub catchments in the west to Tangitū (the sea) in the east
4. Forecasting how fluvial flood hazards may be influenced by dynamically evolving river morphology
5. Drawing on kōrero tuku iho, data and simulation modelling, to create an interactive geospatial visualisation, making research findings accessible and user-friendly for the Hapū and the rural community
6. Engaging local primary schools within the takiwā to facilitate enjoyable learning about Hapū kōrero tuku iho, Te Rerenga Kārearea interactive geospatial visualisation, and the Te Whare Tapa Whā (holistic health model). This aims to foster reconnection to Te Taiao (natural world), promote Hauora (health & wellbeing), and inspire involvement in STEAM.

Te Rerenga Kārearea (the flightpath of the falcon) - Regional Hazardscape Tools is a Maungaharuru-Tangitū Charitable Trust (MTCT) led research project developed in response to the severe impacts of Cyclone Gabrielle on the Hapū takiwā (traditional area), including Tangoio Marae, wāhi taonga, kāinga, and surrounding communities.

In partnership with the University of Canterbury, the project weaves mātauranga ā-Hapū with geospatial and environmental science to better understand how the cyclone reshaped two northern Hawke’s Bay catchments within the heart of the takiwā, and what those changes mean for wāhi taonga, other significant sites, and future decision-making.

Aims and Outcomes

Following the cyclone, the Hapū sought to better understand how floodwaters, erosion, and sediment moved through their takiwā and importantly how these changes affect their awa and whenua. This understanding is critical for recovery and planning for future extreme weather events.

The project aimed to reinvigorate mātauranga ā-Hapū and make visible, in accessible and culturally grounded ways:

• what changed during the cyclone
• where risks are increasing over time, and
• where protection, restoration, or other action may be most needed.

Key Achievements

• Te Rerenga Kārearea StoryMaps - interactive visual resources that weave mātauranga ā-Hapū with scientific data to tell the story of the cyclone’s impacts.
• High-resolution lidar analysis and modelling, comparing pre and post cyclone landscapes to show where whenua was eroded, where sediment was deposited, and how awa channels and floodplains were reshaped.
• Sediment-budget and flood modelling to identify where deposited material may be remobilised in future storms, highlighting potential risk hotspots and supporting Hapū understanding of future vulnerability of wāhi taonga and community assets.
• Wānanga and technical hui that created space for sharing knowledge and learnings.
• A place-based education resource, aligned with Te Whare Tapa Whā (holistic Māori model for health and wellbeing), supporting tamariki to learn about wellbeing, identity, environmental change through interactive 3D maps and activities.

Impact

Te Rerenga Kārearea demonstrates the value of Māori-determined research in deepening understanding of extreme weather impacts across cultural and environmental scales. By embedding mātauranga ā-Hapū alongside scientific knowledge, the project supports kaitiakitanga, informs recovery, and helps inform future planning pathways within the takiwā.

The tools and approaches developed through this project provide an enduring foundation to support Hapū decision-making as climate impacts intensify.

We are investigating native options for improved management of our waterways, with a particular focus on two very significant awa – Tukituki and Ngaruroro.

We are building on existing and traditional knowledge to improve river management (including engineering).

With an aim to vastly increase its inclusion of a tangata whenua approach and world view towards living with our waterways. Indigenous knowledge and interests have had relatively little influence on river management as it has been dominated by western based principles and approaches ever since the 1868 Hawke’s Bay and Marlborough Rivers Act which assumed management and control of “all rivers, streams and watercourse”.

Ngati Kahungunu sees the extreme weather Māori determined fund as an opportunity for the iwi to lead this piece of work to assist our people and work with a range relevant experts to determine our own solutions and improve our relationship within the current management sphere of our waterways.

Cyclone Gabrielle highlighted the need to explore multiple solutions, tangata whenua need to be enabled to lead exploration that benefits us inclusive of our waters and ultimately reduce or avoid the disastrous impacts that flooding and extreme weather events can pose.

This work is scheduled for the next 12 months and will incorporate previous relevant works with potentially for further related works. Ultimately future generations will benefit the most from decisions made now.

Mana Awa, Mana Whenua, Mana Tangata - Investigating options for improving management of our awa that aligns with Ngāti Kahungunu world view.

Floods devastated our communities, because of Cyclone Gabrielle, many are still recovering and displaced. They are a natural process; however, we need ensure their impact and the risks our people live with is avoided or reduced where possible. We believe tangata whenua offer value through our tikanga towards living with our waterways better (improved river management) and consideration of multiple other benefits. Tangata whenua have had no to very little involvement with river system management, not since whenua/awa was confiscated and alienated via Hawke’s Bay and Marlborough Rivers Act 1867, where land was taken due to flooding but, over time was sold to enable narrowing of rivers.

It is important and right that tangata whenua of the awa are part of a much-needed redesign and conceptual thinking.  This project aimed to help improve informed river management and avoid flood risks while respecting the knowledge of tangata whenua and their relationship with the awa by:

• Reimagining river system management
• Reviewing past river system behaviour and flood plains
• Using existing flood models, and
• Incorporating mātauranga Māori and values.

These factors were combined to investigate options for future management of the Ngaruroro and Tukituki Rivers which align with the vision of Ngāti Kahungunu for improved river management (including flood risks to people, but also day to day health of the awa, taiao and people).

The river management scenarios incorporated room for the river concepts, widening or restoring the river corridor to allow more space for floodwaters, but also more space for rivers to be healthy.  In some areas floodable areas were proposed which could continue to be farmed most of the time but during severe floods would be allowed to inundate.  The Tukituki scenarios included reactivating Roto a Kiwa and Roto a Tara and the Ngaruroro scenario included a controlled connection from the Ngaruroro to Mokotūāraro as well as increasing aquifer recharge potential through increasing the saturated braid plain.  Experts from a range of relevant disciplines informed the river management scenario development taking lead from significant tangata whenua input.

The model predicted flood depths and velocities were compared for the different scenarios to quantify the benefits associated with the proposed scenarios. For example, in the Ngaruroro flood levels were lowered by 1m and flood velocities reduced by 1m/s during a 100-year return period event. This would reduce the required height of stopbanks and hence reduce the consequences of stopbank failure. This is all detailed in a final technical report (due for completion in June 2025).

The current and future steps is to discuss the project and findings with Hawke’s Bay Regional Council (HBRC) and others to ultimately have these finding contribute to improvements in flood control, in conjunction with other relevant research and practical examples.  Currently this opportunity exists through several avenues including participation in HBRC coordinated Technical Advisory Group (TAG) “Re-imagining Flood Resilience” that includes Central Hawke’s Bay District Council, Hastings District Council, Napier City Council, Tamatea Pokai Whenua, Mana Ahuriri and Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi Incorporated and respective analysts, planners, engineers and project managers.  This TAG group is currently in its infancy and is concerned with a long-term view on flood resilience in the Upper Tukituki and lower Heretaunga plains.