Introducing Tiro Waiora: A Groundbreaking Addition to the Mauri Monitoring Framework

Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Pikiao Trust, in collaboration with Mahi Maioro Professionals, is proud to announce the launch of Tiro Waiora, a transformative new tool within the Mauri Monitoring Framework. This innovative data gathering technique, that was unveiled at Punawhakareia Marae in July 2024 is an addition to the Mauri Monitoring Dashboard.  This will enhance and redefine how the mauri (life-supporting capacity) of Lake Rotoiti (Te Roto Whaiti i kitea i Ihenga, i ariki ai a Kahu) is monitored, understood, and communicated.

Tiro Waiora is an example of the fusion of Mātauranga Māori (Indigenous Knowledge) and cutting-edge technology, designed to revitalise the observation capacity of tūpuna Māori (ancestors) and empower Ngāti Pikiao to safeguard the health and wellbeing of their ancestral waters. The user scans a QR code that can upload an image taken in the smartphone cradle and asks for perceptions of te mauri o te wai. The interactive Mauri Monitoring Dashboard then provides real-time data and insights into the mauri of Lake Rotoiti, enabling Iwi, Hapū, and community members to make informed decisions for the protection and restoration of this taonga (treasure).

Revitalising Ancestral Knowledge Through Innovation
The Mauri Monitoring Framework, developed by Mahi Maioro Professionals, is a pioneering approach to environmental monitoring that integrates traditional Māori knowledge with modern scientific methods. Tiro Waiora builds on this foundation, offering a user-friendly platform that visualises the mauri of Lake Rotoiti through a combination of data streams, cultural indicators, and community input.

“Our tūpuna possessed an intimate understanding of the mauri of our waters, and it is our responsibility to carry that knowledge forward,” said a spokesperson for Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Pikiao. “Tiro Waiora allows us to see through the eyes of our ancestors while using the tools of today to ensure the health of Lake Rotoiti for generations to come.”

Key Features of the Mauri Monitoring Dashboard

• Interactive Dashboard: A dynamic, accessible platform that provides real-time updates on the mauri of Lake Rotoiti using world leading sensor technology.
• Cultural Indicators: Metrics grounded in Mātauranga Māori that reflect the spiritual, cultural, and ecological health of the lake.
• Data Integration: Combines traditional knowledge and scientific data interpreted through a Māori lens seamlessly to provide a holistic understanding of the lake’s mauri.

The key contribution of Tiro Waiora

• Community Engagement: a tool for Iwi, Hapū, and community members to contribute observations and insights, fostering a collaborative approach to environmental stewardship.

A Vision for the Future
The roll out of Tiro Waiora marks another milestone in the Ngāti Pikiao journey to reclaim and strengthen their role as tiaki (guardians) of Lake Rotoiti. By revitalising the observation capacity of their tūpuna, Ngāti Pikiao are not only preserving their cultural heritage but also leading the way in innovative environmental monitoring practices.

“This is more than just a tool; it is a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of Ngāti Pikiao,” said a representative from Mahi Maioro Professionals. “Tiro Waiora is a bridge between the past and the future, ensuring that changes in the mauri of our waters is better understood for decision making.”

Join Us in Celebrating the Launch
Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Pikiao and Mahi Maioro Professionals invite the community to explore the Mauri Monitoring Dashboard and experiment with eight Tiro Waiora site installations to experience the power of this transformative tool. The interactive Dashboard is able to be accessed on Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Pikiao website  with workshops and demonstrations available to help users navigate the platform and contribute to the monitoring efforts.

About Mahi Maioro Professionals
Mahi Maioro Professionals is a consultancy specialising in the integration of Mātauranga Māori and modern technology to create innovative solutions for environmental monitoring and cultural preservation.

Contact:
Dr Kepa Morgan, BE, MBA, PhD.

DistFEngNZ

kmorgan@maurimodel.nz

Tiro Waiora: Seeing the Life Force of Our Waters, Through the Eyes of Our Ancestors.