Field survey data collected by Ngai Tai-Ao and Te Kura o Torere students and teachers represents a comprehensive environmental monitoring initiative. These surveys document water conditions, wildlife observations, and cultural connections to the land across multiple locations in the Wainui and Torere areas.
Each survey entry captures critical environmental data including water temperature, air temperature, weather conditions, moon phases (maramataka), and mahinga kai observations. The collaborative approach between iwi and educational institutions demonstrates the integration of traditional knowledge with modern scientific methods.
Coordinates: -37.940888, 177.490482 (39.6m elevation). First survey location documenting water conditions and wildlife observations including shaggy-looking manu with black wings and white tinana.
Multiple survey points along the Wainui bridge area, including ki Tai (pohutukawa) location at -37.952326, 177.481482 (28.4m elevation) with extensive mahinga kai observations.
Forest crossing location at -37.977251, 177.494433 (43.4m elevation) representing the upstream monitoring point in the ngahere environment.
Final survey location at -37.951831, 177.482280 (40.2m elevation) with detailed water quality measurements including clarity, wind speed, and pH levels.
Date: 31 March 2025 at 04:57 pm
Coordinates: -37.940888, 177.490482 (39.6m)
Entry: #1
Participants: Ngai Tai-Ao
Previous 3 days: No rain, sunny days. Scattered clouds, no winds.
7 shaggy looking manu observed with black wings and white tinana. Fish jumping close to shore, indicating healthy aquatic ecosystem activity.
Date: 31 March 2025 at 06:18 pm
Location: Wainui bridge ki Tai (pohutukawa)
Coordinates: -37.952326, 177.481482 (28.4m)
Entry: #2
Water Temperature: 19.5°C
Air Temperature: 24.5°C
Moon Phase: Ouenuku o Paengawhāwhā
Ngai Tai-Ao Ngā taukura 6-8 o Te Kura o Torere, Whaea Helena, whaea Ash
The mahinga kai observations at Wainui bridge ki Tai revealed diverse wildlife activity, demonstrating the ecological richness of this coastal environment.
Kahu observed low to the ground, 2 karoro, and 1 grey shag documented in the area, indicating healthy bird populations utilizing the river mouth ecosystem.
Pampus and gorse noted in the surrounding landscape, representing both native and introduced plant species in the coastal environment.
Recreational fishing observed on the seaside, along with recreational mahinga tuna, showing continued cultural and recreational use of the area.
Date: 31 March 2025 at 06:43 pm
Location: Wainui awa ki uta (crossing at the bottom of the ngahere)
Coordinates: -37.977251, 177.494433 (43.4m)
Entry: #3
Participants: Ngai Tai-Ao
9 April 2025 at 06:53 pm
Wainui awa - Bridge at -37.952149, 177.485394 (31.2m)
Heavy rain and winds, causing flooding last week
He Māwharu o Paengawhāwhā
Entry #4 involved a comprehensive team from Ngai Tai-Ao, demonstrating the collaborative nature of this environmental monitoring project.
- Te Puia
- Halo
- Hanene
- Rongomai
- Ryor-Lee
- Taikehu
- Hohepa
- Whaea Helena
- Whaea Ash
Experienced educators guiding the rangatahi in traditional environmental monitoring practices.
He marama ka hua - The moon phase during this survey period brought increased wildlife activity. Lots of weka and pūkeko were observed running around the area, indicating healthy native bird populations.
Kāhu were spotted on the ground hunting for kai in the paddocks, demonstrating the natural predator-prey relationships in the ecosystem.
The area serves as a recreational space for swimming and mahi tuna, showing the continued cultural and recreational significance of these waterways.
These images capture the river conditions following heavy rain and flooding, providing important documentation of post-weather event recovery in the ecosystem.
8 May 2025 at 06:05 pm
Entry #5
Torere bridge pohutukawa
-37.951831, 177.482280 (40.2m)
Areroararua
Traditional lunar calendar phase
Eliye, Taikehu, Hanene, Te Puia, Ryor-Lee, Rongomai, Halo, Zyrah, Whaea Ash, and Whaea Helena participated in this comprehensive survey at the Torere bridge pohutukawa location.
- Water Temperature: 16°C
- Air Temperature: 20°C
- Mahinga Kai: A (indicating presence)
Excellent visibility measurement indicating clean water conditions
Moderate wind conditions during survey period
Alkaline water conditions within healthy range
These measurements from the Torere bridge pohutukawa site indicate healthy water quality conditions with excellent clarity and appropriate pH levels for aquatic life.
Temperature variations across survey sites show seasonal changes and location-specific conditions, with the Wainui Awa ki uta site recording the highest air temperature at 29.2°C, while Torere bridge showed cooler conditions in May.
Interactive map showing all survey site locations. Click on markers for detailed information about each field survey location conducted by Ngai Tai-Ao and Te Kura o Torere students and teachers.