Mauri Compass

The Ngāti Mutunga Mauri Compass is a cultural and environmental monitoring framework designed to measure the mauri (life force) of ecosystems within the iwi’s rohe. It combines mātauranga Māori with scientific methods to assess the health of freshwater catchments and marine environments. The approach includes wānanga with whānau to capture cultural values and narratives, alongside ecological surveys, eDNA sampling, and water quality testing. These insights are visualized through a dashboard that scores indicators such as tangata whenua connection, tikanga, wairua, biodiversity, and habitat health.

Recent applications include monitoring the Urenui and Mimitangiatua rivers and Kukuriki Reef. Findings show strong cultural connections but declining tikanga practices and biodiversity compared to historical baselines. Issues like sedimentation, invasive species, and chemical toxins have been identified, prompting targeted restoration efforts. The Mauri Compass serves as a practical tool for kaitiakitanga, guiding Ngāti Mutunga’s environmental strategy and ensuring intergenerational knowledge sharing while influencing policy and resource management.