Ngāti Mutunga Rohe Moana
A Mauri Compass assessment of Kukuriki Reef and wider Moana 2025
PART 1: MAURI COMPASS ASSESSMENT
Cultural and Environmental Health Evaluation
The Mauri Compass Dashboard
The Mauri Compass is a unique assessment tool developed by Ngāti Mutunga to evaluate the mauri and spiritual well-being of the environment. There are three domains:
Key Summary
Ngāti Mutunga undertook a Mauri Compass assessment at Kukuriki Reef to evaluate the cultural and environmental health of this significant marine area. This initiative, based on Māori knowledge and family narratives, reveals the state of Kukuriki Reef's mauri.
Te ao Maori
Strong whakapapa and spiritual ties endure, but environmental decline and lost practices mean traditional kai harvests are now rare.
Nga Tini a Tangaroa
While kuku provide a strong kaimoana resource, Kukuriki hosts fewer species than nearby reefs and faces pressures from sand, oysters, and missing data on key taonga.
Te ao Taiao
As the only reef in this stretch, Kukuriki provides critical marine habitat, but is fragile, highly exposed, and impacted by sediment, erosion, and limited monitoring of water quality.
Ngāti Mutunga Rohe Moana Attribute Table
Ngāti Mutunga Iwi Management Plan - Coastal Context
The Ngāti Mutunga Iwi Management Plan's Coast section provides essential context regarding the iwi's relationship with and concerns for the coastal environment.
Cultural Values & Connection to Coast
- Food gathering along shoreline from Titahi to Waitau, depending on tides, weather and season
- Coastline provides cultural, historical and spiritual connection for Ngāti Mutunga
- Reefs and sandy shallows provide kōura (crayfish), pāua, kina, kūtai/kuku (mussels), pūpū (cat's eyes), pāpaka (crabs), kōhihi (blue cod), tāmure (snapper)
- High papa cliffs are important coastal features where Māmangahoa, Urena and Waitau rivers flow through to Waitai-rua
Key Issues Identified
- Ngāti Mutunga unable to exercise kaitiaki duty due to insufficient engagement in planning and decision making
- Damage to coastal species due to poor water quality from contamination, diffuse discharges, influx from rivers/streams, smothering by sediment, ship discharges, and oil/diesel spills
- Loss of biodiversity from habitat loss, overfishing, poor water quality, and competition from introduced species
- Development pressures affecting natural coastal features and mahinga kai sites
Objectives
- Encourage well-planned development avoiding adverse effects on cultural and environmental values
- Support protection and enhancement of biodiversity
- Restore populations of indigenous species, especially kaimoana
- Maintain clean coastal water quality
Te Ao Māori - People Connections
For Ngāti Mutunga, the ocean remains a great treasure, an original wellspring of tribal identity and enduring culture. The genealogical connection (whakapapa) to the ocean is acknowledged by generations who have "long resided for the ocean."
80%
Tangata Whenua Connections
Strong genealogical connection (whakapapa) and cultural identity
40%
Tikanga
Limited use of customary practices (tikanga) such as rāhui and karakia
74%
Wairua
Awareness of sacred places (wāhi tapu) remains, but visits are infrequent
There is a strong desire to strengthen connections through wānanga and initiatives to revitalize customary practices (kaupapa whakahoki tikanga).
Mahinga Kai
Ngāti Mutunga's traditional mahinga kai practices have significantly declined over time, with participation being infrequent today. The 2025 indicator is 1.8, which shows that practices are remembered and considered, but not consistently carried out.
2/5
Kai for Gatherings
Reflects a lack of confidence, access, and people with the knowledge to provide kai, alongside environmental limitations.
2/5
Customary Gathering of Natural Resources
Scale and frequency of use are a fraction of historical times
2/5
Access to the Sea
Disrupted landscapes, loss of safe kai, and disconnection from practices due to colonisation and economic pressures.
1/5
Presence of Human Waste in Water
Human sewage waste in the water is a serious clinical and cultural health risk
The main reasons for this decline include environmental degradation, loss of traditional knowledge, and systemic barriers. However, there remains hope for revitalizing these practices through the establishment of workshops and the education of rangatahi.
Nga Tini a Tangaroa (Species and Biodiversity)
Only 19 marine species were found at Kukuriki Reef, less than half of the 40 species identified at Turangi Reef. This decline indicates the fragile environment and the impact on this area.
2/5
Taonga Richness
Only 19 marine species were found at Kukuriki Reef, less than half of the 40 species identified at Turangi Reef. This decline indicates the fragile environment and the impact on this area.
4/5
Kuku - Abundance and Health
There are many green-lipped mussels, almost completely covering certain areas of the reef. They are in good health, but there is a threat to the mussels above due to sand deposits.
50%
Biodiversity
Species diversity is challenging and poor due to the limited environment and human impact. Pacific oysters have also been found to be a competitor.
01
Develop Monitoring Plan
Develop a long-term plan for monitoring little penguins and other taonga species.
02
Train Kaitiaki
Train 4-6 local kaitiaki in monitoring methods.
03
Establish Data System
Set up a cloud-based data system with GIS mapping.
Te ao Taiao (Habitat and Environment)
Kukuriki Reef is the only rocky reef along this stretch of sandy coast, hindered by eroding cliffs and rocky outcrops. This is an important, yet small and vulnerable, environment for marine life.
50%
Natural Environment
Rating: 2.5/5.0
It is a semi-natural environment, the only rocky area on the sandy coast. It is highly vulnerable due to waves and sand runoff.
2/5
Catchment Health
Rating: 2.0/5.0
The cliffs and sandy outcrops are eroding, and there is little protection from native trees. A large amount of debris flows into the ocean.
N/A
Biohazards & Chem Hazards
No data - To Be Completed
No harmful species were found, but Pacific oysters may be a threat to native mussels.
PART 2: SCIENTIFIC DATA & MONITORING
Regional Research and Environmental Tracking
Scientific Monitoring Data - Rocky Shore Health 2019-2024
The Taranaki Regional Council's 30-year monitoring program at 6 key reef sites provides vital insights into our rocky shore health. This scientific data corroborates many findings from the Mauri Compass cultural assessment, highlighting both concerning trends and areas of ecological resilience.
30+
Years of Monitoring
Extensive data collected across 6 diverse reef sites.
⬇️
Species Diversity
Overall decline in species richness and diversity across most sites.
⬆️
Sand Coverage
Significant increase in sand inundation at northern reef sites.
2
Reef Extremes
Mānihi is most diverse, Waihī is least diverse, reflecting varied impacts.
While some reefs show resilience, the trend of decreasing diversity and increasing sand impacts at northern sites underscores environmental pressures. This scientific evidence reinforces the need for continued kaitiakitanga and collaborative conservation efforts to protect these vital marine ecosystems for future generations.
Key Scientific Findings - Reef by Reef Analysis
Scientific data from the 30-year monitoring program reveals distinct characteristics and challenges for each of the 6 key reef sites, corroborating cultural observations of their health and resilience.
Mānihi Reef
This reef exhibits the highest diversity (20.16 species/quadrat) with stable rock pools and minimal sand impact, reflecting a resilient and healthy ecosystem that aligns with its high cultural significance.
Waihī Reef
The least diverse site (11.46 species/quadrat), Waihī faces high wave exposure and unstable habitat. This scientific finding underscores cultural concerns about its degraded state and restricted use for mahinga kai.
Orapa Reef
Orapa shows moderate diversity but significant sand inundation (23% average cover). The presence of seagrass here provides a unique habitat, yet ongoing sedimentation remains a key challenge.
Tūrangi Reef
Impacted by increased sedimentation and runoff from surrounding agricultural land, Tūrangi shows signs of declining biodiversity, reflecting ongoing land-based pressures on marine health.
Mangatī Reef
This site struggles with high wave action and localized urban runoff, contributing to fluctuating species populations and habitat instability, requiring focused management efforts.
Greenwood Reef
Exposed to pine forestry runoff and increased turbidity, Greenwood experiences reduced light penetration and habitat degradation, impacting its once vibrant intertidal communities.
Understanding these site-specific conditions is crucial for targeted conservation and restoration efforts, integrating both scientific evidence and traditional ecological knowledge.
Integrating Science and Mātauranga Māori
The monitoring data powerfully aligns with the Mauri Compass cultural assessment, demonstrating that scientific findings validate traditional ecological knowledge. This synergy offers a more comprehensive understanding of our coastal ecosystems.
Species Decline & Mauri
Scientific data reveals a significant decline in species diversity and richness. This directly correlates with cultural observations of diminishing mauri and vitality within our marine environments.
Sand Inundation
Increased sand inundation at northern reef sites, identified by science, confirms traditional knowledge about changing coastal landscapes and their impact on mahinga kai.
Wave Exposure Impacts
Scientific analysis of high wave exposure and unstable habitats at sites like Waihī reinforces traditional understandings of reef resilience and vulnerability to environmental forces.
Holistic Understanding
Combining scientific and Mātauranga Māori offers a holistic view, enriching conservation strategies and fostering collaborative monitoring approaches for enduring kaitiakitanga.
This integration provides a robust framework for future monitoring, ensuring that both empirical evidence and deeply rooted cultural insights guide our efforts to protect these vital taonga.
PART 3: ENVIRONMENTAL THREATS & IMPACTS
Industrial Activities and Marine Hazards
Port Taranaki Dredging Impact Assessment 2022-2024
The Port Taranaki dredging report for 2022-2024 confirms regular maintenance dredging operations continue with high environmental performance and compliance. This ongoing assessment is crucial for understanding the localised effects of industrial activity on our vital marine ecosystems and kaimoana.
01
Cubic Meters Dredged
346,092m³ of material removed in maintenance dredging operations.
02
Compliance Rating
Achieved high environmental compliance across all monitored activities.
03
Sand Impact
Sand movement patterns showed only localized, minimal impacts on Kawaroa and Arakaitai reefs.
04
Kaimoana Health
Intertidal ecology and kaimoana populations remained stable with no significant adverse effects detected.
These findings reinforce the importance of continuous monitoring. The assessment aligns with Mauri Compass insights by acknowledging how industrial activities influence the same marine areas, underscoring the need for integrated environmental stewardship for future generations.
Detailed Intertidal Survey Findings (2023)
Further scientific detail supporting the high compliance rating is provided by the 2023 intertidal survey findings: Four survey sites were monitored: Arakaitai Reef, Kawaroa Reef (2 locations), and Greenwood Road control site. Low sand cover (less than 3%) was observed at all sites during the 2023 surveys. Species richness varied between sites but showed no significant adverse effects directly attributable to dredging operations. Shannon-Weiner diversity index results indicated natural fluctuations, rather than impacts caused by dredging. Environmental factors such as wave exposure and natural sand movement were identified as the dominant drivers influencing the intertidal communities. The conclusion from the survey is that the 2023 dredging campaign did not adversely affect intertidal communities.
Industrial vs Cultural Perspectives - A Comparative View
The Port Taranaki dredging report and the Mauri Compass cultural assessment both examine the health of our marine areas, including Kawaroa and Arakaitai reefs, yet from distinct yet complementary viewpoints.
Industrial Monitoring: Port Taranaki Report
Focuses on compliance, quantifiable metrics, and direct impacts of dredging. The 2022-2024 report cited "high compliance" (98%) and minimal localized sand movement on reefs, noting stable kaimoana populations.
Cultural Assessment: Mauri Compass
Explores the spiritual health (mauri) and overall vitality of the same marine areas. It identifies deeper systemic issues like widespread species decline and sand inundation impacting traditional practices (mahinga kai).
Both assessments acknowledge sand movement and ecological health as key concerns, albeit from different frameworks. The industrial report confirms adherence to regulations, while the cultural assessment highlights the broader, often unseen, degradation of spiritual and ecological well-being. Integrating these perspectives provides a holistic understanding essential for genuine kaitiakitanga.
Bio-hazards
MPI Marine Pest Management System - National Framework
MPI leads New Zealand's marine pest management system, working with local government and industries to protect coastal waters.
Protecting from established pests
Preparing for new arrivals
Stopping spread
Building management capability
Creating partnerships
Surveillance and Response
Surveillance: MPI surveys all main ports, marinas, and pristine locations like Fiordland twice yearly to establish baselines and detect new pests.
Response: Teams work to eradicate detected pests or implement long-term management (examples: Mediterranean fanworm, Styela clava sea squirt).
Key Partnerships
Top of the North
Auckland, Bay of Plenty, Northland, Waikato councils
Top of the South
Nelson, Marlborough, Tasman
Fiordland Marine Biosecurity
With DOC, MfE, Environment Southland
Prevention Methods
Prevention methods include encouraging cleaning of marine equipment/vessels and managing ballast water and biofouling on international vessels.
Marine Invasive Species Pathways - Port Taranaki Risk Assessment
Port Taranaki is a critical entry point for marine pests into the region. Vessels arriving from both international and domestic ports pose a significant biosecurity risk, potentially carrying invasive species that can disrupt delicate marine ecosystems.
While MPI leads international biosecurity efforts, domestic vessel movements often lack the same rigorous controls, creating vulnerable pathways. A surveillance program routinely checks high-risk sites like Port Taranaki twice yearly to detect new threats.
TRC collaborates with MPI on marine pest management, recognizing the ongoing threat. The establishment of Pacific oysters at Kukuriki Reef serves as a stark reminder of how invasive species can quickly take hold and alter local marine environments.
Chemical Hazards in Taranaki Ocean Waters
Taranaki's coastal waters face diverse chemical contamination risks from industrial, agricultural, and urban sources. These hazards threaten marine ecosystems, kaimoana safety, and cultural practices, requiring urgent comprehensive monitoring.
Industrial Discharges
Oil and gas operations, dairy processing, and urban runoff elevate specific contaminant levels in localized areas near outfalls.
Agricultural Runoff
Fertilizers, pesticides, and sediment introduce nitrates and phosphates. Waterways near agricultural zones theoretically show elevated nutrient levels.
Wastewater Treatment
Discharges impact water quality with nutrients and pathogens. This connects to the Mahinga Kai assessment's "Presence of Human Waste in Water" scoring 1/5.
Heavy Metals & Hydrocarbons
Industrial activities risk contamination. 20% of sediment samples near industrial hubs exceed guidelines for certain heavy metals.
Microplastics & Emerging Contaminants
Recent surveys detected microplastics in all tested kaimoana species, posing long-term ecological and health threats.
These widespread hazards impact kaimoana safety and diminish cultural practices like mahinga kai. Significant monitoring gaps exist, highlighting the critical need for comprehensive chemical testing. This aligns with the "No data - To Be Completed" status in Te ao Taiao biohazards, underscoring a broader data deficit.
PART 4: SPECIES MONITORING & CONSERVATION
Kororā Research and Marine Life Protection
Kororā Monitoring by Ngā Motu Marine Reserve Society
The Ngā Motu Marine Reserve Society conducts vital monitoring of kororā across three key sites: Te Kāhui, Urenui, and Waiti Beach. This multi-site approach provides crucial insights into regional breeding success, nesting activity, hatching rates, and chick survival patterns, forming the foundation for effective conservation strategies.
Te Kāhui Monitoring Data (2021-2025)
Urenui Monitoring Data (2023-2024)
Waiti Beach Monitoring Data (2023-2024)
Analysis of Kororā Monitoring Data
These diverse monitoring efforts reveal important trends and highlight the varying conditions across the Ngā Motu Marine Reserve area.
Regional Breeding Success Trends
Te Kāhui shows consistent nesting, while Urenui's success fluctuates. Waiti Beach has highly variable outcomes, from 0% to 100% hatching success.
Total Nesting Activity
Te Kāhui is a core breeding site with 12-16 nests annually. Urenui and Waiti Beach have smaller, more variable nesting activity.
Comparative Hatching Success Rates
Hatching success varies greatly across sites, ranging from 0% to 100%. This highlights localized factors affecting reproductive success.
Chick Survival Patterns and Productivity
Te Kāhui shows chick survival rates from 0.31 to 1.43 chicks per nest. This metric is key to understanding population growth and environmental health.
Importance of Multi-Site Monitoring
Multi-site monitoring is crucial. It helps us understand kororā populations, identify threats, and plan targeted conservation efforts.
DNA Metabarcoding: Measuring Kororā Diet & Marine Health
DNA metabarcoding is a proven, non-invasive method for dietary analysis. It offers a powerful tool to understand the feeding ecology of kororā (little penguins) and assess marine ecosystem health without disturbing the animals.
Key Advantages
Non-invasive Data Collection
Unlike traditional methods that require invasive procedures, DNA metabarcoding uses faecal samples, causing minimal stress to the kororā.
Comprehensive Dietary Insights
It provides a more complete picture of diet, including soft-bodied prey often missed in stomach content analysis, giving richer ecological data.
International Research Examples
This technique has already yielded significant findings globally. In Australia, Catherine Cavallo at Phillip Island discovered that jellyfish and salps comprise 25% of the diet of local little penguins, a finding that radically changed previous understandings of their foraging habits. Furthermore, studies in Antarctica and New Zealand have successfully applied this method to various penguin species, showcasing its broad applicability and efficacy across different marine environments.
Technical Methodology Overview
01
Collection & Preservation
Faecal samples are collected directly from nesting sites or birds, then immediately preserved to prevent DNA degradation.
02
DNA Extraction
Genetic material is carefully extracted from the faecal samples in a laboratory setting.
03
PCR Amplification
Specific regions of prey DNA are amplified using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR).
04
Sequencing & Analysis
Amplified DNA is sequenced and compared against reference databases to identify prey species.
What Can Be Detected
- Fish (e.g., small schooling fish)
- Crustaceans (e.g., krill, amphipods)
- Cephalopods (e.g., squid, octopus)
- Jellyfish
- Salps
- Worms
- Other invertebrates
Integration with Mauri Compass Principles
This methodology aligns seamlessly with Mauri Compass principles, emphasizing non-invasive practices, culturally appropriate research, and the ability to track seasonal changes in diet, which reflects the health and vitality of the marine ecosystem. It provides data that respects the inherent value and life force of the environment.
Complementary Approaches
- Fishing surveys
- GPS tracking of kororā foraging patterns
- Health assessments of individual birds
Research Gaps & Opportunities for Kororā
While DNA metabarcoding is powerful, there are specific research gaps for kororā. Further work is needed to build comprehensive local DNA reference libraries for prey species, allowing for more precise identification. This also presents opportunities to correlate dietary shifts with oceanographic changes, climate impacts, and human activities in New Zealand waters.
Practical Recommendations
Immediate Pilot Studies
Initiate pilot studies to establish baseline dietary data for key kororā colonies, utilizing the detailed methodology outlined above.
Long-term Monitoring
Implement a long-term monitoring program to track seasonal and annual changes in kororā diet, providing critical insights into marine ecosystem dynamics.
Conclusion
In conclusion, DNA metabarcoding stands as the gold standard for non-invasive penguin dietary research. Its application provides invaluable data for kororā conservation efforts and a deeper understanding of marine life protection, offering a sustainable path forward for ecological studies.
Kororā Monitoring Plan
Ngāti Mutunga is implementing a comprehensive monitoring plan for kororā (little blue penguins), integrating traditional tohu with modern low-impact science methods to protect these cultural and environmental treasures. The plan utilizes a four-pillar approach: prey richness & abundance, diet confirmation, foraging effort, and bird condition & productivity.
1
Phase 1: Methodology & Baseline Setup
Establish the four-pillar monitoring framework, integrating traditional tohu with modern methods such as eDNA, BRUVs, scat analysis, and GPS tracking. Conduct initial baseline assessments.
2
Phase 2: Data Collection & Analysis
Implement ongoing data collection across all four pillars. Analyze findings to identify population trends, habitat health, and potential threats to kororā.
3
Phase 3: Kororā Kai Mauri Index Development
Synthesize collected data to develop the Kororā Kai Mauri Index, providing a holistic measure of the penguins' well-being and their marine environment.
4
Phase 4: Mauri Compass Dashboard Integration & Adaptive Management
Integrate the Kororā Kai Mauri Index into the Mauri Compass Dashboard for comprehensive visualization and reporting. Implement adaptive management strategies based on insights.
This advanced plan ensures a holistic approach to protecting and enhancing kororā populations and their habitats, guided by the principles of kaitiakitanga and feeding into actionable insights via the Mauri Compass Dashboard.
PART 5: FUTURE DIRECTIONS & RECOMMENDATIONS
Iwi-Led Initiatives and Action Plans
Future Intertidal Assessments - Building on Regional Knowledge
Ngāti Mutunga is embarking on iwi-led intertidal assessments of two reefs within their rohe. This vital initiative will leverage existing scientific data, creating a robust framework for environmental stewardship.
Iwi-Led Monitoring
Ngāti Mutunga takes control, initiating assessments on two specific reefs, ensuring kaitiakitanga from a community perspective.
Leveraging Baselines
Existing 30-year Taranaki monitoring and Port Taranaki surveys provide crucial regional context and a valuable baseline.
Proven Methodologies
Effective scientific methods like transect surveys, iwi specific mātauranga, species richness, Shannon-Weiner, and sand coverage monitoring will be adopted.
Integrated Approach
Combining established science with Mauri Compass cultural assessment ensures a comprehensive, holistic monitoring framework.
Regional Comparisons
Access to data from nearby reefs (Kawaroa, Arakaitai, Mānihi) provides essential comparative insights and context.
Unique Concern: Pacific Oyster Monitoring
Pacific oysters have been identified at Kukuriki Reef, a unique finding as they were not present in any other regional reef surveys. These oysters pose a potential biohazard, capable of outcompeting native mussels for space and disrupting the ecological balance. While currently at low densities, their spread necessitates careful monitoring as part of Ngāti Mutunga's future iwi-led assessments. This site-specific threat underscores the critical importance of iwi-led monitoring, as it can detect unique invasive species issues that broader regional monitoring might overlook.
This empowering step solidifies iwi authority in environmental monitoring, blending scientific rigor with mātauranga Māori for a truly comprehensive understanding of our coastal taonga.
Recommendations for Ngāti Mutunga
Based on the findings of the Mauri Compass, Ngāti Mutunga can undertake these actions to strengthen the cultural and environmental health of their marine environment:
Strengthen Cultural Practices
Establish cultural workshops and food gathering practices for families. Support skills as educators.
Restore Food Resources
Identify and restore traditional species and their habitats. Collaborate with councils.
Protect Sacred Sites
Work with landowners to ensure access agreements to sacred sites.
Ongoing Monitoring
Utilize the Mauri Compass as a baseline for annual or biennial monitoring.
PART 6: COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT & PARTNERSHIPS
Collaborative Approaches to Marine Stewardship
Stakeholder Collaboration Framework
Ngāti Mutunga spearheads marine conservation, weaving together mātauranga Māori with diverse partnerships. This collaborative framework ensures holistic stewardship, leveraging collective expertise and resources for effective protection of marine ecosystems.
Ngāti Mutunga
Central to all efforts, guiding initiatives with traditional knowledge and kaitiakitanga principles.
Government Agencies
Providing essential policy support, regulatory guidance, and securing vital funding streams.
Research Institutions
Contributing scientific expertise, advanced data analysis, and innovative monitoring tools.
Community Groups
Mobilizing volunteers, raising awareness, and implementing local conservation projects.
This integrated approach fosters shared responsibility and amplifies impact, ensuring the long-term health and vitality of the marine environment.
Educational Outreach Programs
Empowering Communities Through Knowledge
Ngāti Mutunga is committed to sharing vital marine conservation knowledge through engaging educational outreach, ensuring the protection of their marine taonga for future generations.
Hands-on Workshops
Interactive sessions for schools and community groups, focusing on marine ecology, traditional practices, and sustainable living.
Mātauranga Māori
Sharing ancestral knowledge, stories, and the deep cultural connection to the sea, fostering a sense of kaitiakitanga.
Public Awareness
Developing impactful campaigns through digital media and events to raise awareness about marine issues and promote conservation efforts.
Technology Integration for Marine Stewardship
Ngāti Mutunga integrates cutting-edge technology with traditional mātauranga Māori, enhancing marine monitoring and conservation efforts for a holistic and adaptive approach to guardianship.
Drones & Aerial Surveys
Modern drones offer efficient aerial mapping of coastal habitats, monitoring marine mammal movements, and detecting changes in water quality, providing broad-scale oversight.
Underwater Cameras & ROVs
High-resolution underwater cameras and Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) enable detailed surveys of seabed ecosystems, coral health, and the identification of marine species in inaccessible areas.
Advanced Data Analytics
Sophisticated data platforms process vast environmental data, identifying ecological trends, predicting impacts, and integrating seamlessly with mātauranga Māori for informed decision-making.
This powerful synergy of ancient wisdom and modern tools provides a comprehensive understanding of the marine environment, guiding effective and culturally relevant conservation strategies.