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Ngāti Mutunga Rohe Moana
A Mauri Compass assessment of Kukuriki Reef and wider Moana 2025
“The sea is a medicine for us” - Kere
Key Aspects
Kukuriki Reef Assessment
A Template for future Moana Monitoring
Rohe Moana
Preparing to Scale Up
Kororā DNA Meta-Barcoding
Innovation
Table of contents
  • Section 1: Kukuriki Assessment
Section 1: Kukuriki Assessment
The Mauri Compass Dashboard
The Mauri Compass is an 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.
A wānanga held in June brought Ngāti Mutunga whānau together to take carry out various attributes of the Mauri Compass dashboard. The hui created space for kōrero, story sharing, and the exchange of knowledge, ideas, and aspirations for the moana. Whānau contributed their experiences and observations, helping to shape a shared understanding of current conditions and future goals for restoring and protecting the mauri of their environment.
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 decreases in taonga species abundance.
Te ao Taiao
Coastal erosion, sedimentation, contamination from septic overflows, invasive Pacific oysters, and paralytic shellfish toxins are collectively degrading reef health, threatening native species, and making mahinga kai unsafe.
Kukuriki Reef 2025 Dashboard
Ngāti Mutunga Rohe Kukuriki Reef
Te Ao Māori
For Ngāti Mutunga, the ocean remains a great treasure, an original wellspring of tribal identity and enduring culture. The whakapapa to the ocean is acknowledged by generations who have long resided for the ocean.
4/5
Tangata Whenua Connections
Strong whakapapa and cultural identity
2/5
Tikanga
Limited use of customary practices such as rāhui and karakia
3.3
Wairua
Awareness of wāhi tapu remains, but visits are infrequent
Tangata Whenua
Score: 4.0/5.0
For Ngāti Mutunga, the moana remains central to identity and wellbeing — a living link to tūpuna and a source of kai, culture, and connection. This relationship is deeply valued (score: 5) and continues to shape who the iwi are today.
Many whānau still gather kaimoana (score: 4), while others do so less often. There’s a clear drive to reconnect — especially by supporting rangatahi to learn and spend time by the moana. The loss of some kaumātua has made passing down knowledge harder, highlighting the need for iwi-led wānanga to strengthen mahinga kai practices.
Access to important wāhi tapu is becoming more difficult (score: 2), with erosion, private ownership, and land restrictions limiting engagement. Despite this, whānau remain determined to protect and honour these ancestral sites.
Kaitiakitanga remains strong (score: 4). Ngāti Mutunga continue to uphold their role as guardians of the moana, facing modern pressures with resilience. Compared to 40 years ago, tikanga, protection of taonga species, and active stewardship are more visible — showing that kaitiakitanga is lived and evolving to uphold the mauri of the marine environment for future generations.
Tikanga
Score: 2.0/5.0
Tikanga connected to the moana is still present within Ngāti Mutunga, but its expression has weakened over time. Practices such as rāhui, tangihanga, and waka activities happen occasionally (score: 3) and often depend on the place and the whānau involved. Some examples remain strong — like rāhui placed over mahinga kai areas at Mimi and Urenui due to E. coli contamination — but these are not consistent across the rohe.
In many areas, tikanga has faded due to disconnection, limited transmission, or changing priorities. The full range of tikanga wai Māori and wai tai is now rarely practiced (score: 1), and karakia — once central to engaging with the environment — has been lost in parts, though signs of renewal are emerging.
The revival of tikanga relies heavily on intergenerational transmission and active effort. Without being lived and taught, it risks disappearing. Yet there is growing awareness and commitment among whānau to restore it — through wānanga, tikanga-based learning, and deeper understanding of the “why” behind each practice.
Overall, the iwi recognises what has been lost and is working to strengthen what remains — aiming to restore tikanga in a way that is relevant, grounded, and led by Ngāti Mutunga themselves.
Wairua
Score: 3.3 / 5.0
Ngāti Mutunga maintains a deep spiritual bond with the moana, grounded in whakapapa, sacred sites, and its role as a place of healing and identity. The moana is widely seen as a source of ūkaipō — nourishment for the soul (score: 5) — used for rongoā, healing, and restoring balance.
Knowledge of wāhi tapu remains strong across the iwi (score: 4), though visitation is limited (score: 2) due to access issues, especially where sites are on private land. Some areas have visible markers or signage, helping keep that awareness alive. There’s shared recognition that rangatahi need support to carry this knowledge forward.
Protection of wāhi tapu receives mixed feedback (score: 3). Legal mechanisms exist, but cultural recognition and practical safeguarding often fall short. Frustration was expressed about symbolic gestures of biculturalism that don’t lead to real protection — though there’s optimism around growing youth involvement and future policy change.
The moana’s spiritual use remains active, particularly for gathering rongoā (score: 5) and occasional cleansing rituals such as waikarakia and waitapu (score: 3). However, contamination at some sites has limited safe access for these practices.
Overall, the wairua of the moana remains strong for Ngāti Mutunga — alive but unevenly practiced. Strengthening access, intergenerational transmission, and genuine protection of wāhi tapu will help ensure this spiritual connection endures.
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
Mahinga Kai
Score: 1.5 / 5.0
Mahinga kai among Ngāti Mutunga has declined sharply from its former strength. The 2025 score reflects practices that are remembered and valued but now rarely upheld due to ecological damage, disconnection, and limited knowledge holders.
Providing kai from the moana for hui or tangihanga is now infrequent (score: 2), with many lacking confidence, access, or resources to gather safely. Some whānau source kaimoana from elsewhere, like Wharekauri, showing the pressure on local stocks. Environmental decline, lifestyle changes, and access issues have all contributed to this shift.
Customary gathering of materials such as harakeke, stones, seaweed, and pingao also happens only occasionally (score: 2). While some still use these taonga for carving, dyes, or marakai, the practice is a shadow of its past. Few rangatahi are actively involved, though there’s a growing call to reconnect through wānanga and teaching.
Access to safe, healthy kai is limited (score: 2), with sedimentation, forestry runoff, and wastewater discharges affecting confidence in water quality. The presence of sewage in near by awa (score: 1) has made sites unsafe, posing serious cultural and health risks. Some whānau choose not to harvest at all, reflecting a tikanga-based form of restraint and care.
Few pūkenga are consistently engaged in teaching mahinga kai (score: 2), though wānanga are emerging as a way forward. Revitalising these practices will rely on reactivating knowledge holders and ensuring rangatahi can learn and live tikanga daily.
The recent detection of paralytic shellfish toxins along the Taranaki coast has further weakened confidence in mahinga kai and reinforced the need for vigilance. Harvest bans now prevent whānau from gathering traditional kai moana, compounding existing environmental pressures and disconnection from customary practice. These events underscore how contaminants—natural or human-made—can diminish both the physical and spiritual mauri of kai, making the restoration of safe, sustainable gathering a critical focus for the future.
Nga Tini a Tangaroa
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.
1.5/5
Taonga Health
Toxins from harmful algae have built up in the gut and flesh of shellfish like kuku, pipi, and tuatua, weakening their health and making them unsafe to eat. This contamination disrupts natural food webs and lowers the mauri of these taonga species.
2.5/5
Taonga Abundance
From Ngāti Mutunga's perspective the overall taonga abundance is perceived to be low. Whānau have observed a stark decline in kaimoana species compared to plentiful historical baselines.
2.5/5
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 for native species and altering habitats.
4/5
Kuku - Abundance
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.
While kuku abundance is classified as high, the overall mahinga kai abundance is perceived to be low. For this, the overall score for taonga abundance is 3/5.
Scoring based off the intertidal survey
Taonga Species Richness
Score: 2.0 / 5.0
Kukuriki Reef supports a range of taonga species, but overall richness is low compared to sites like Turangi Reef. Nineteen species of marine flora and fauna were recorded during the intertidal survey — including mussels, limpets, chitons, barnacles, sea lettuce, snails, and crabs — less than half the 40 species found at Turangi.
The lower diversity reflects Kukuriki’s exposed setting, with sandy surrounds and eroding cliffs limiting habitat variety. While it remains an important kaimoana site, the reef lacks the broader range of taonga and mahinga kai species seen in more sheltered environments. This suggests a system that is functional but naturally constrained in its ability to support high biodiversity.
Taonga Abundance
Score: 2.5/5.0
From Ngāti Mutunga’s perspective, the overall abundance of taonga species is low. Whānau have noted a marked decline in kaimoana compared to the once plentiful stocks recalled in living memory. Sedimentation, farming runoff, pine forestry, and wastewater discharges have all contributed to habitat degradation and reduced species numbers. Recent toxin events along the Taranaki coast have further limited access and recovery, reinforcing concerns over the long-term health and abundance of taonga species within the rohe.
Taonga Health
Score: 1.5 / 5.0

The presence of paralytic shellfish toxins has directly impacted the health of taonga species such as kuku, pipi, and tuatua along the Taranaki coast. The algae responsible for this event produce dangerous toxins that accumulate in the gut and flesh of shellfish through filter-feeding, affecting their overall condition and survivability.
These toxins not only make kai unsafe for people but also disrupt natural food chains and stress wider marine ecosystems. The mauri of this attribute is low, with recovery dependent on the decline of harmful algal blooms and the restoration of healthy, balanced water conditions.
Kuku Abundance
Score: 4.0 / 5.0
Green-lipped mussels (Perna canaliculus) are abundant across Kukuriki Reef, forming near-continuous coverage in parts of the intertidal zone. Their dominance highlights the reef’s importance as a kaimoana source for Ngāti Mutunga and local communities. Kuku thrive in the lower intertidal where they stay submerged longer, while those higher up show stress from sand buildup. The spread across reef zones suggests a mix of age and growth stages, indicating an active and self-sustaining population.
Kuku Health (prior to toxin alert)
Score: 4.0 / 5.0
Overall kuku health appears strong, with no visible signs of disease, discolouration, or parasites. The population shows good vitality across zones, though natural pressures such as sand movement and turbidity create some vulnerability. These stressors could affect the long-term stability of mussel beds if conditions worsen, but at present, the species remains robust and resilient.
Biodiversity
Score: 2.5 / 5.0
Biodiversity at Kukuriki Reef is moderate and shaped by the reef’s small size and exposure to the Tasman Sea. Rocky substrates and reef pools support hardy intertidal species such as limpets, chitons, crabs, and seaweeds, with clear zonation across the reef face. These species are well adapted to harsh conditions, but the limited structure of the reef offers fewer habitats than larger, more sheltered systems. The presence of Pacific oysters, first recorded in 2018, suggests a shift in species balance as they compete with native mussels for space. Overall, Kukuriki sustains a functioning ecosystem, though with less diversity than would be expected of a more complex reef environment.
Te ao Taiao
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.
2/5
Catchment Health
The cliffs and sandy outcrops are eroding, and there is little protection from native trees. A large amount of debris flows into the ocean.
3/5
Natural Environment
It is a semi-natural environment, the only rocky area on the sandy coast. It is highly vulnerable due to waves and sand runoff.
Sand inundation on rocky reefs can adversely affect animals such as pāua and kina by reducing habitat availability. This has the potential to affect the abundance and recruitment of these important kaimoana species (TRC, 2024).
1/5
Biohazards
Wastewater overflows known to the estuaries and coastline. Benthic and Planktonic Cynthobacteria also apparent. Pacific oysters may be a future threat to biodiversity.
1/5
Chemical Hazards
Paralytic shellfish toxins pose a serious chemical hazard, making kai unsafe and prompting harvest bans along the Taranaki coast. The mauri remains low, with recovery reliant on monitoring and nutrient management.
Natural Habitat
Score: 2.5 / 5.0
Kukuriki Reef is a partly natural but highly constrained habitat — the only rocky reef along a stretch of sandy coastline backed by eroding papa and sandstone cliffs. The hard substrate provides essential anchorage for shellfish, algae, and other species that can’t survive in shifting sands. Small pools in the cliffs retain seawater at low tide, supporting intertidal life, and clear zonation is visible with mussels, barnacles, and chitons occupying different levels. However, the reef’s limited scale, high exposure, and frequent sand and sediment movement reduce its overall habitat diversity and resilience. Compared to reference sites like Turangi Reef, Kukuriki is less complex but remains ecologically and culturally significant as the only hard structure in the area.
Catchment Health
Score: 2.0 / 5.0
The catchment above Kukuriki Reef is dominated by steep papa and sandstone cliffs with farmland along the foreshore, where ongoing erosion feeds sediment into the coastal environment. This erosion is the main source of turbidity and sand movement around the reef. Native vegetation is sparse, and riparian buffers are largely absent, leaving the area vulnerable to runoff and further degradation. While no direct pollution discharges were noted, diffuse sediment input is continual and expected to worsen during heavy rain or increased land use. From a Mauri Compass perspective, catchment health is moderate to poor — shaped by natural erosion but worsened by the lack of vegetative stability and management intervention.
Biohazards
Score: 1.0/5.0
IEMP Alignment: Oppose discharge of sewage or greywater directly into coastal waters
Failing septic tanks have caused serious environmental and cultural impacts across the Ngāti Mutunga rohe. Untreated wastewater flowing into the Urenui River brings pathogens like E. coli, along with nutrients and other pollutants that reduce water quality and harm aquatic life. These discharges fuel algal growth, damage habitats, and contribute to biodiversity loss, upsetting the natural balance of the catchment.
While the worst effects are seen in the estuary, the contamination continues downstream into the moana, where pollutants build up and weaken the health of marine species and habitats. This ongoing issue goes against Ngāti Mutunga’s kaupapa of protecting the integrity of coastal waters.
Together, these pressures have diminished the mauri and wairua of both the river and the sea, made mahinga kai unsafe, and limited Ngāti Mutunga’s ability to uphold kaitiakitanga. Fixing failing wastewater systems and stopping discharges into waterways are key steps to restoring the mana and mauri of the environment.
The recent paralytic shellfish toxin alert, caused by harmful algal blooms, reinforces these concerns—showing how excess nutrients and changing conditions are now creating space for toxic algae to thrive, further weakening biodiversity and resilience along the coast.
Chemical Hazards
Score: 1.0 / 5.0
Paralytic shellfish toxins found in Taranaki shellfish pose a serious chemical hazard to both marine life and people. Produced by harmful algal blooms, these toxins build up in filter-feeding species and remain in their tissue long after the bloom subsides. This contamination has led to official harvest bans, showing how even naturally occurring compounds can threaten mahinga kai and disrupt customary practices. The event reflects a decline in the mauri of the coastal environment, with recovery dependent on ongoing monitoring, catchment nutrient control, and early detection of bloom conditions to prevent future outbreaks.
Source: RNZ
Section 2: Rohe Moana Assessment
Ngāti Mutunga Rohe Moana Attribute Table
Te Ao Māori - People Connections
For Ngāti Mutunga, the ocean remains a great treasure, an original wellspring of tribal identity and enduring culture. The whakapapa to the ocean is acknowledged by generations who have long resided for the ocean.
4/5
Tangata Whenua Connections
Strong whakapapa and cultural identity
2/5
Tikanga
Limited use of customary practices such as rāhui and karakia
3.7/5
Wairua
Awareness of wāhi tapu remains, but visits are infrequent
Tangata Whenua
Score: 4.0/5.0
For Ngāti Mutunga, the moana remains central to identity and wellbeing — a living link to tūpuna and a source of kai, culture, and connection. This relationship is deeply valued (score: 5) and continues to shape who the iwi are today.
Many whānau still gather kaimoana (score: 4), while others do so less often. There’s a clear drive to reconnect — especially by supporting rangatahi to learn and spend time by the moana. The loss of some kaumātua has made passing down knowledge harder, highlighting the need for iwi-led wānanga to strengthen mahinga kai practices.
Access to important wāhi tapu is becoming more difficult (score: 2), with erosion, private ownership, and land restrictions limiting engagement. Despite this, whānau remain determined to protect and honour these ancestral sites.
Kaitiakitanga remains strong (score: 4). Ngāti Mutunga continue to uphold their role as guardians of the moana, facing modern pressures with resilience. Compared to 40 years ago, tikanga, protection of taonga species, and active stewardship are more visible — showing that kaitiakitanga is lived and evolving to uphold the mauri of the marine environment for future generations.
Tikanga
Score: 2.0/5.0
Tikanga connected to the moana is still present within Ngāti Mutunga, but its expression has weakened over time. Practices such as rāhui, tangihanga, and waka activities happen occasionally (score: 3) and often depend on the place and the whānau involved. Some examples remain strong — like rāhui placed over mahinga kai areas at Mimi and Urenui due to E. coli contamination — but these are not consistent across the rohe.
In many areas, tikanga has faded due to disconnection, limited transmission, or changing priorities. The full range of tikanga wai Māori and wai tai is now rarely practiced (score: 1), and karakia — once central to engaging with the environment — has been lost in parts, though signs of renewal are emerging.
The revival of tikanga relies heavily on intergenerational transmission and active effort. Without being lived and taught, it risks disappearing. Yet there is growing awareness and commitment among whānau to restore it — through wānanga, tikanga-based learning, and deeper understanding of the “why” behind each practice.
Overall, the iwi recognises what has been lost and is working to strengthen what remains — aiming to restore tikanga in a way that is relevant, grounded, and led by Ngāti Mutunga themselves.
Wairua
Score: 3.7 / 5.0
Ngāti Mutunga maintains a deep spiritual bond with the moana, grounded in whakapapa, sacred sites, and its role as a place of healing and identity. The moana is widely seen as a source of ūkaipō — nourishment for the soul (score: 5) — used for rongoā, healing, and restoring balance.
Knowledge of wāhi tapu remains strong across the iwi (score: 4), though visitation is limited (score: 2) due to access issues, especially where sites are on private land. Some areas have visible markers or signage, helping keep that awareness alive. There’s shared recognition that rangatahi need support to carry this knowledge forward.
Protection of wāhi tapu receives mixed feedback (score: 3). Legal mechanisms exist, but cultural recognition and practical safeguarding often fall short. Frustration was expressed about symbolic gestures of biculturalism that don’t lead to real protection — though there’s optimism around growing youth involvement and future policy change.
The moana’s spiritual use remains active, particularly for gathering rongoā (score: 5) and occasional cleansing rituals such as waikarakia and waitapu (score: 3). However, contamination at some sites has limited safe access for these practices.
Overall, the wairua of the moana remains strong for Ngāti Mutunga — alive but unevenly practiced. Strengthening access, intergenerational transmission, and genuine protection of wāhi tapu will help ensure this spiritual connection endures.
Nga Tini a Tangaroa (Species and Biodiversity)
Taonga Richness
Taonga Abundance
Taonga Health
Biodiversity
Te ao Taiao (Habitat and Environment)
Natural Environment
Sand inundation on rocky reefs can adversely affect animals such as pāua and kina by reducing habitat availability. This has the potential to affect the abundance and recruitment of these important kaimoana species (TRC, 2024).
Catchment Health
Chemical Hazards
Only if required
IEMP: Encourage development and use of sewage and chemical collection facilities in port areas
1/5
Biohazards
Wastewater overflows known to the estuaries and coastline. Benthic and Planktonic Cynthobacteria also apparent. Ongoing port operations add further stress to this already delicate marine setting.
Biohazards
Score: 1.0/5.0
IEMP Alignment: Oppose discharge of sewage or greywater directly into coastal waters
Failing septic tanks have caused significant environmental and cultural degradation within the Ngāti Mutunga rohe. Untreated wastewater has entered the Urenui River, introducing pathogens (e.g., E. coli), nutrients, and other pollutants that degrade water quality and harm aquatic life. These contaminants contribute to algal blooms, habitat decline, and biodiversity loss, disrupting the natural balance of the ecosystem.
Although the immediate impacts are visible in the estuary, the effects extend downstream into the moana, where pollutants accumulate and further weaken the health of marine species and habitats. This ongoing contamination directly conflicts with Ngāti Mutunga’s kaupapa to protect the integrity of coastal waters.
Collectively, these impacts have diminished the mauri and wairua of both the river and the sea, made mahinga kai unsafe, and undermined Ngāti Mutunga’s ability to exercise kaitiakitanga. Strengthening wastewater infrastructure and eliminating discharges into waterways are essential to upholding this policy and restoring the mana and mauri of the environment.
PART 2: SCIENTIFIC DATA & MONITORING
Regional Research and Environmental Tracking
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.
01
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 shallow 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
02
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
03
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
SoE Monitoring Report Rocky Shore Health - 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
Tūrangi shows signs of declining biodiversity, reflecting ongoing land-based pressures on marine health.
Mangatī Reef
This site struggles with high wave action, contributing to fluctuating species populations and habitat instability, requiring focused management efforts.
Greenwood Reef
Exposed to 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.
PART 3: ENVIRONMENTAL THREATS & IMPACTS
Industrial Activities and Marine Hazards
Port Taranaki Maintenance Dredging - Monitoring Programme - 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.

Biohazards
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).
Prevention Methods
Prevention methods include encouraging cleaning of marine equipment/vessels and managing ballast water and biofouling on international vessels.
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
Connection to this kaupapa
Invasive species pose a significant threat to native biodiversity and ecological balance, directly diminishing the health and vitality measured in cultural assessments. By preventing their arrival and spread, this framework helps preserve the natural resources essential for mahinga kai and upholds the cultural and environmental well-being of coastal communities.
Pest Pathways into Taranaki (TRC, 2020) - 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.
Biohazard & Chemical Hazards Risks in Taranaki Moana
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 are more at risk to elevated nutrient levels.
Cyanobacteria Warnings
LAWA has issued warnings for both planktonic and benthic cyanobacteria in the Taranaki region (April 2025). Potentially toxic blooms have been detected in rivers including the Manganui, Waingongoro, Kaupokonui, and Waiwhakaiho, posing significant health risks to humans and animals. These blooms are occurring earlier than usual in the season due to drier conditions.
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.
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 chem hazards, underscoring a broader data deficit.
PART 4: KORORĀ MONITORING AND RESEARCH
Kororā Data Analysis Summary
Here's a concise overview of the key statistics and findings from the Kororā monitoring program:
78
Individual penguins tracked
42
Nests monitored
869
Nest checks over 2+ years
18
Resightings of tagged birds
Report Summary & Recommendations
The report brings together nearly four years of monitoring across Urenui and Waiiti Beaches, providing a solid foundation for understanding local kororā populations. While the data shows strong effort and coverage, there are key gaps - particularly around linking individual birds to nests, recording egg and chick counts, and identifying adults during checks. These missing details limit current understanding of breeding success and survival.
However, the overall dataset is a strong starting point: well-structured, covering multiple years and sites, with consistent tagging methods. To build on this work, recommendations include standardizing field recording, improving bird-nest linkages, ensuring key measurements are always captured, and increasing resighting efforts. These steps will make future analyses more powerful and strengthen understanding of kororā health, behavior, and long-term trends in Taranaki.
Main Databases
1
Bird Registry
Contains detailed records for individual penguins, including tagging information and physical measurements.
2
Nest Monitoring
Tracks breeding activity, hatching rates, and chick survival for each monitored nest.
3
Resighting Records
Documents opportunistic observations of tagged birds, providing insights into movement and survival.
Key Findings
Most birds (96%) are adults, with 68% identified as male.
Urenui Beach serves as the primary monitoring site, accounting for 72% of tracked birds.
Only 7% of all nest checks indicated active breeding presence.
The majority of nest visits (71%) found nests to be empty.
Only 12 birds have been resighted after their initial tagging.
Existing data shows gaps in key measurements and nest association records.
DNA Metabarcoding Services for Kororā Health Analysis
Wilderlab offers DNA metabarcoding services for kororā research.

Cost: $320 per sample (single replicate)
Highly Adaptable Method
The method is highly adaptable and can:
  • Identify unknown species
  • Analyse diet composition
  • Contribute to expanding national genetic reference libraries
Kororā Scat Analysis
Application to kororā scat samples provides a clear picture of diet and overall health.
Understanding food species consumption allows assessment of:
  • Changes in prey availability
  • Environmental conditions
Evidence-Based Conservation
This provides a strong evidence base for future conservation decisions.
Linking Health to Ecosystem Wellbeing
It is a cost-effective, science-backed way to directly link kororā health with ecosystem wellbeing.
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.
PART 5: FUTURE DIRECTIONS & RECOMMENDATIONS
Iwi-Led Initiatives and Action Plans
Future Intertidal Assessments - Building on Iwi 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.