Research projects within the Cultural Keystone Species programme where Mana Whenua undertake the fundamental research required to inform their unique responsibilities as kaitiaki.
Case study: Wairua River Elver Monitoring
Over the last decade, Te Tai Tokerau (Northland) hapū collective Ngā Kaitiaki o Ngā Wai Māori (NKoNWM) have worked with Northpower, NIWA, Ministry for Primary Industries, Department of Conservation, and other agencies to move juvenile eels over the Wairua Falls power station as they swim upstream as part of their life cycle.
To test the success of the trap and transfer programme, each March NKoNWM and NIWA look at how the elvers that are being moved are surviving. The annual two-week survey involves catching juvenile eels in streams connected to the Wairua River to assess their numbers and distribution.
Protecting our taonga together – Water & Atmosphere article - August 2021
2017 Wairua River Elver Monitoring Report Summary
2018 Wairua River Elver Monitoring Information Sheet
