Te Whakapapa o ngā Awa: Freshwater data, monitoring health, flow, and catchments

Nau mai, haere mai ki te wānanga tuawhitu o Ngā Poutama Matawhenua! Join our facilitator Duane Wilkins, as we explore data for our sacred wai māori (freshwater) systems that nourish our whenua (land) and our people.

This wānanga equips iwi, hapū, and Māori communities with the data and skills to map and monitor New Zealand's rivers using advanced GIS technology. Through the use of data, we will trace the origins of rivers, monitor their health and vitality, and manage their catchment areas effectively. We will empower iwi, hapū, and Māori communities with the skills and tools to harness GIS technology for the protection and management of our precious freshwater resources.

Video highlights:

Whakapapa of wai
Discover how GIS can help us trace the whakapapa (genealogy) of our rivers, from their sources in the mountains to their mouths in the sea. This storytelling aspect will help us understand and share the historical and cultural significance of our awa.

Mapping catchments
Learn to map and monitor water quality, biodiversity, and human impacts using comprehensive datasets. By visualising and sharing this data, we can better advocate for the health of our awa (rivers), roto (lakes), and repo (wetlands).
Learn how you can access a range of existing maps that you can use in presentations and projects straight away.

Cultural and environmental kaitiakitanga
Use GIS to support kaitiakitanga (guardianship) initiatives. Viewing change over time, patterns of taonga species, assessing the impacts of climate change, or identifying pollution sources, these tools will enhance our ability to protect and sustain our natural resources.

Community stories
See how you can create your own map-based kōrero. See how you can inform others by applying these technologies to your own contexts.

Practical applications for beginners
These hands-on sessions are practical, and demonstration based (no powerpoint). They are intended to share information for both beginners, and advanced users.
There will be a variety of freshwater data, web maps and information with something for everyone.