Each lake faces serious and long-standing water quality issues, including frequent algal blooms driven by land-use intensification, nutrient runoff, sedimentation, and the growing pressures of climate change. These impacts have pushed the ecosystems to a critical state, undermining mahinga kai practices, tikanga Māori, food safety, and the well-being of the Iwi and hapū connected to these places. Taonga species such as tuna (eel) are particularly vulnerable, and toxins accumulating through the food web pose direct risks to human health.
Although each Mana Moana group has worked independently to heal its lake, this partnership formalizes a shared desire to amplify their collective impact. The project focuses on inter-lake knowledge exchange grounded in place-based mātauranga and in examples where traditional knowledge and science have been successfully integrated. Through this collaboration, the partners aim to develop holistic, culturally anchored lake management strategies led by Mana Moana. In doing so, the initiative strengthens Māori leadership in restoring the health and whakapapa of these treasured lakes.
>> PROJECT STARTED: 7th October 2025
Research Location:
The three lakes that are the focus of this project are located in:
- Whakakī (Hawkes Bay)
- Wairewa (Canterbury)
- Omapere (Northland)
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