Kaitiakitanga of geothermal ecosystems through joint scientific and Matauranga-a-iwi approaches: Waiotapu case study

Reeves, R.R.; Phillips, M.; Forrest, E.; Te Ngaru, H.; Simpson, M.P.; Alcaraz, S.A.; MacDonald, N. 2021 Kaitiakitanga of geothermal ecosystems through joint scientific and Matauranga-a-iwi approaches: Waiotapu case study. Lower Hutt, N.Z.: GNS Science. GNS Science report 2021/35. 88 p.; doi: 10.21420/P41F-PW48

Abstract:

Geothermal areas are unique environments that can include geothermal surface features, and exhibit unique flora and fauna that has adapted to these environmental conditions. Iwi have a strong historical and contemporary cultural association with geothermal resources, including cooking, bathing, trading and for spiritual purposes. This report integrates geological, geophysical, geothermal surface feature and vegetation data with Ngati Tahu-Ngati Whaoa matauranga into a holistic knowledge-base combining indigenous knowledge and Western science regarding the Waiotapu Geothermal Field (New Zealand) to enhance knowledge and to support kaitiakitanga. The Waiotapu Geothermal Field is the largest (by surface area) of the 29 high temperature geothermal systems in the Taupo Volcanic Zone, New Zealand. With over 400 mapped geothermal surface features (e.g., hot springs, pools, mud pools, and heated ground), the area supports a unique ecosystem that includes the largest population of Cyclosorus interruptus (a threatened fern species) of any New Zealand geothermal site.Resources of the Waiotapu geothermal area have long been used by Ngati Tahu-Ngati Whaoa for purposes such as cooking and preserving food, bathing, treating health conditions, and washing clothes. Vegetation was also used to build waka and houses, and flax was harvested to make woven products (e.g., mats, clothing, rope) that were traded with other tribes and, in later times, Europeans. Geothermally altered rocks and clays from the Waiotapu area provided a unique resource for Ngati Tahu-Ngati Whaoa. One such rock, kokowai, was so highly valued by other iwi, it was considered to be worth the same as pounamu. (auth)