The research team for this project in collaboration with Ngāi Tūhoe have sought to actively engage tanagata whenua with all agencies that support building capability in management of wild populations of Whio (Blue Duck). Whio is one of New Zealand’s national iconic wildlife species. Their presence within our rivers symbolises the completeness and health of our waterways. Whio are currently nationally threatened by predation from introduced predators, loss of habitat, and global climate change; they are not fully secured from extinction.
Tūhoe are currently going through treaty settlement so their priorities are this process and setting up for future co-management of Te Urewera. Ngāti Manuawa, and Ngāti Whare have also been involved because of the boundaries with Te Urewera area office.
The researchers participated in a number of meetings and hui with iwi and trusts to foster these partnerships. Through the monitoring of Whio during this project a number of conservation and wildlife-management skills have been transferred to key individuals from the local Māori community. Examples of these skills include use of GPS devices, mapping, and GIS abilities for monitoring wildlife and describing survey efforts.