USER GUIDE
for the
Mauri Compass Stream Health Assessment App
A holistic approach to understanding freshwater health through integrated scientific and cultural perspectives
Build: v2.10.7 (20260115-1731)
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An Integrated Approach to Stream Health
The Mauri Compass Stream Health Assessment uses a series of interconnected modules to assess the ecological, physical, chemical, and cultural health of a stream.
Each module focuses on a specific aspect of the freshwater environment, such as water quality, habitat condition, biological communities, and cultural values.
Together, these modules provide a holistic understanding of stream health, allowing both scientific indicators and mātauranga Māori perspectives to be considered.
This integrated approach supports informed kaitiakitanga by showing not only the current condition of the stream, but also how human activities and natural processes influence the mauri of the waterway over time.
Macroinvertebrates (MCI)
How the data is recorded
Using the Macroinvertebrates (MCI), aquatic invertebrates found at the site are identified and recorded. Invertebrates are collected from the stream bed using a kick net or by hand from rocks and submerged vegetation. Each species observed is selected within the app by clicking on its image and recording its presence and abundance. The app automatically calculates an MCI and QMCI score based on the sensitivity of the species present.
Why this is measured
Macroinvertebrates are excellent bioindicators because different species have varying tolerances to pollution, sediment, and low oxygen levels. Since many species live in the stream for months or years, they reflect long-term water quality, not just conditions on the day of sampling.
What it shows
- High MCI scores indicate clean, well-oxygenated streams
- Low MCI scores suggest pollution, habitat degradation, or sedimentation
- Results contribute strongly to understanding ecological health and mauri
Key Indicator: Macroinvertebrates reflect long-term water quality conditions, making them essential for understanding stream health over time.
Water Quality Module
How data is recorded
In the Water Quality module, measured values are entered directly into the app for a range of physical, chemical, and microbiological parameters. These include pH, temperature, conductivity, water clarity (two clarity measurements), nitrate, phosphate, and E. coli. Measurements are taken in the field using appropriate equipment such as water quality probes, clarity tubes, and water sampling bottles.
The app also requires site information including site name, assessor name, date, GPS coordinates, and a site photo.
In addition to numerical measurements, a Site Health Check section allows the assessor to record qualitative observations such as unusual smells, visible pollution, obstructions, sediment, bank condition, flow rate, and surface features (e.g. foam or oily films).
Why this data is collected
Water quality directly controls whether a stream can support aquatic life, be used safely for recreation, and sustain mahinga kai. Chemical and bacterial indicators can reveal pollution from land use, wastewater, or agricultural runoff, while visual observations help identify immediate or obvious stressors that may not yet be reflected in biological data.
What it shows
- Whether water chemistry is within suitable ranges for freshwater organisms
- Evidence of nutrient enrichment, faecal contamination, or pollution
- Short-term stressors affecting stream health and mauri
Periphyton Module
How data is recorded
The Periphyton module involves visually estimating the percentage of the streambed covered by algae or slime. Coverage is selected using predefined ranges (0–20%, 20–40%, 40–60%, 60–80%, or 80–100%). Additional characteristics are recorded by selecting the periphyton type (green, brown, black, or mixed), thickness (thin, moderate, thick), and texture (slimy, filamentous, crusty). Site information, GPS coordinates, date, and a stream photo are also entered.
Why this data is collected
Periphyton responds rapidly to changes in nutrient levels, light availability, and flow. Excessive algal growth often indicates nutrient enrichment and reduced flushing flows, while very low periphyton may indicate frequent disturbance or shading.
What it shows
- Early warning signs of nutrient pollution or eutrophication
- Balance (or imbalance) between nutrients, light, and flow
- Impacts on habitat quality and oxygen levels
Macrophytes Module
How data is recorded
In the Macrophytes module, all aquatic plant species observed at the site are selected from the list provided in the app. Species are identified as native or introduced, and their growth form (emergent, submerged, floating) is shown. The assessor also estimates total plant coverage using percentage ranges and selects the dominant plant type present. Standard site information and a stream photo are recorded.
Why this data is collected
Aquatic plants influence flow, sediment accumulation, and habitat complexity. Native plants often support healthy ecosystems, while invasive or excessive macrophyte growth can reduce oxygen levels, alter flow patterns, and displace native species.
What it shows
- Degree of natural versus modified plant communities
- Presence of invasive species indicating ecological stress
- Long-term habitat condition and stability
Fish Module
How data is recorded
The Fish module records all fish species observed at the site. Species are selected from the app's list, which includes native and introduced fish. Observations are based on visual surveys, netting, or trapping where appropriate. Site information, GPS coordinates, date, and a stream photo are also entered.
Why this data is collected
Fish are culturally significant and sensitive indicators of stream health. Their presence depends on habitat quality, water quality, stream connectivity, and the absence of barriers such as culverts or dams.
What it shows
- Suitability of habitat for native freshwater fish
- Stream connectivity and migration pathways
- Cultural health and mahinga kai potential
Fish are culturally significant and sensitive indicators of stream health, reflecting habitat quality, water quality, and stream connectivity.
Stream Habitat Module
How data is recorded
The Stream Habitat module uses visual assessment to score physical features of the stream. The assessor selects options describing bank condition (stable, eroding, slumping, artificial), riparian vegetation coverage, shading, channel modification, and pool–riffle sequence. Additional observations can be recorded in a free-text field. Site information, GPS coordinates, date, and habitat photos are also included.
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Why this data is collected
Physical habitat forms the foundation of stream ecosystems. Even where water quality is good, poor habitat can limit biodiversity and ecosystem function.
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What it shows
- Stability of stream banks and erosion risk
- Quality of riparian margins and shading
- Degree of human modification
- Overall capacity of the stream to support aquatic life
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Streambed Composition (Substrate Composition)
How data is recorded
In the Streambed Composition module, the assessor visually estimates the percentage of the streambed made up of different substrate types: bedrock, boulder, cobble, gravel, sand, and silt/mud. Sliders are used to assign percentages to each category, with the total required to equal 100%. The assessor also records the level of embeddedness, indicating how much coarse material is buried by fine sediment (low, moderate, or high). Site information, GPS coordinates, date, and a streambed photo are included, along with optional notes.
Why this data is collected
Substrate composition strongly influences habitat quality for aquatic invertebrates, fish spawning, and periphyton growth. Excess fine sediment can smother habitats, reduce oxygen exchange, and degrade ecological function.
What it shows
- Balance between coarse and fine sediments
- Evidence of sedimentation from erosion or land use
- Suitability of habitat for benthic organisms
- Physical indicators of degraded or healthy mauri
Important: Excess fine sediment can smother habitats, reduce oxygen exchange, and degrade ecological function.
Rubbish Assessment
How data is recorded
The Rubbish Assessment module records visible rubbish at the site. The assessor selects an overall rubbish abundance category (none, light, moderate, or heavy) and counts items within specific categories such as plastic, metal, glass, organic waste, and other debris. The app automatically calculates a cleanliness score. Site details, GPS coordinates, photos, and optional cleanup notes are also recorded.
Why this data is collected
Rubbish is a direct and visible indicator of human impact on waterways. It can harm wildlife, degrade habitat, and reduce cultural, recreational, and aesthetic values of a stream.
What it shows
- Degree of direct human pollution
- Risks to aquatic life and mahinga kai
- Opportunities for cleanup and community action
- Impacts on cultural wellbeing and mana of the waterway
Stream Flow (Current Velocity and Streamflow)
How data is recorded
Stream flow is assessed using the float method to calculate current velocity. A floating object is timed over a measured distance, and the result is entered into the app. Stream width and average depth are also recorded to estimate discharge. The assessor selects an overall flow condition (dry, trickle, low, moderate, high, or flood) and adds notes about recent rainfall or conditions. Site information, GPS coordinates, and photos are included.
Why this data is collected
Flow controls habitat availability, sediment transport, water quality, and species movement. Changes in flow can strongly influence ecological processes and stream resilience.
What it shows
- Whether flows are sufficient to support aquatic life
- Impacts of abstraction, drought, or flooding
- Relationship between flow and sediment or periphyton patterns
- Overall physical energy of the stream system
Environmental Conditions (rainfall, lunar cycle, weather)
How data is recorded
The Environmental Conditions module records weather and environmental context at the time of assessment. Data such as lunar cycle, air temperature, rainfall (last 24 hours and 7 days), wind speed and direction, cloud cover, and atmospheric pressure are either auto-filled or entered manually. The app also records the lunar phase. Site location and date are included.
Why this data is collected
Environmental conditions influence stream behaviour and help interpret results from other modules. Rainfall and lunar phase can affect flow, sediment movement, fish behaviour, and cultural harvesting practices.
What it shows
- Context for water quality and flow measurements
- Influence of recent weather on stream condition
- Alignment with mātauranga Māori observations (e.g. lunar cycles)
- Temporal factors affecting mauri at the time of assessment
Mahinga Kai Cultural Assessment
From December 2025, mahinga kai is a compulsory value under the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management 2020 (NPS-FM 2020).
Regional councils are required to work with tangata whenua to identify and provide for this value in their planning instruments.
How data is recorded
The Mahinga Kai module documents cultural values rather than numerical measurements. Assessors record site information and then add narrative information under headings such as mātauranga Māori, historical use, rāhui status, kaitiaki contacts, cultural significance, and restoration aspirations. Cultural site photos can also be uploaded.
Why this data is collected
Mahinga kai is central to Māori relationships with freshwater. This module ensures that cultural knowledge, values, and aspirations are captured alongside scientific data, rather than being treated as separate or secondary.
What it shows
- Cultural importance and traditional use of the waterway
- Presence or loss of mahinga kai resources
- Community and iwi aspirations for restoration
- Cultural dimension of mauri that cannot be measured scientifically
Cultural Integration: This module ensures that cultural knowledge, values, and aspirations are captured alongside scientific data, rather than being treated as separate or secondary.
Site Information – Explanation
Site Name
This is the name used to identify the location where the stream assessment is carried out. It should be clear and specific so the site can be easily found again in the future. This often includes the stream name and access point (for example, Blue Creek – North Access).
Assessor Name
This records the name of the person or group who completed the assessment. It is important for accountability and allows results to be traced back to the observer if clarification or follow-up is needed.
Date
This records the day the assessment was completed. Stream conditions can change over time due to weather, seasons, or land use, so the date is essential for comparing results between different surveys.
GPS Coordinates (Latitude and Longitude)
These record the exact geographic location of the assessment site. GPS coordinates ensure the site can be accurately mapped, revisited, and compared with other monitoring locations. This is especially important for long-term monitoring and reporting.
Attach Stream Photo
This allows a photograph of the stream to be uploaded. Photos provide visual evidence of site conditions such as water clarity, vegetation, bank stability, and flow. They also help support written observations and allow future comparisons.
What happens with my data?
When you complete an assessment in the Mauri Compass Stream Health Assessment app, the information you enter (measurements, observations, site details, and photos) is saved locally within the app. This allows you to review, export, or share the results without needing to re-enter the data. The data is used to create a summary of stream health for that site and time, which can then be shared as a report.
Download PDF Report vs Email Report – What’s the difference?
Download PDF Report
When you select Download PDF, the app generates a PDF copy of your completed assessment and saves it directly to your device. This option is useful if you want to:
- Submit the report as part of an assignment
- Upload it to another platform (e.g. Google Drive or Teams)
- Print a hard copy
- Keep a personal record of the assessment
The PDF does not automatically share your data with anyone else unless you choose to send or upload it yourself.
Email Report
When you select Email Report, the app sends the completed assessment as a report to a chosen email address (for example, a teacher, project lead, or kaitiaki). This option is useful if you want to:
- Share results directly with others
- Submit the assessment without downloading files
- Support collaborative monitoring or reporting
The data is shared only with the email recipient you select.
The default setting is to email to Ian Ruru. His team can help you interpret and analyse your results. Simply remove ianruru@gmail.com if you are happy to analyse the results yourself. Kia kaha!
