Torere Kura Surveys
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.
Field Survey Overview
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.
Survey Site Locations
Te Hanoa
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.
Wainui Bridge
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.
Wainui Awa ki Uta
Forest crossing location at -37.977251, 177.494433 (43.4m elevation) representing the upstream monitoring point in the ngahere environment.
Torere Bridge Pohutukawa
Final survey location at -37.951831, 177.482280 (40.2m elevation) with detailed water quality measurements including clarity, wind speed, and pH levels.
Te Hanoa Survey Entry
Survey Details
Date: 31 March 2025 at 04:57 pm
Coordinates: -37.940888, 177.490482 (39.6m)
Entry: #1
Participants: Ngai Tai-Ao
Water Temperature: 20°C
Air Temperature: 25.1°C
Moon Phase: Ouenuku o Paengawhāwhā
Weather Conditions
Previous 3 days: No rain, sunny days. Scattered clouds, no winds.
Mahinga Kai Observations
7 shaggy looking manu observed with black wings and white tinana. Fish jumping close to shore, indicating healthy aquatic ecosystem activity.
Te Hanoa Site Documentation
Group Photo
Upstream View
Downstream View
Wainui Bridge ki Tai Survey
Survey Information
Date: 31 March 2025 at 06:18 pm
Location: Wainui bridge ki Tai (pohutukawa)
Coordinates: -37.952326, 177.481482 (28.4m)
Entry: #2
Environmental Data
Water Temperature: 19.5°C
Air Temperature: 24.5°C
Moon Phase: Ouenuku o Paengawhāwhā
Participants
Ngai Tai-Ao Ngā taukura 6-8 o Te Kura o Torere, Whaea Helena, whaea Ash
Wainui Bridge Wildlife Observations
The mahinga kai observations at Wainui bridge ki Tai revealed diverse wildlife activity, demonstrating the ecological richness of this coastal environment.
Avian Species
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.
Vegetation
Pampus and gorse noted in the surrounding landscape, representing both native and introduced plant species in the coastal environment.
Human Activity
Recreational fishing observed on the seaside, along with recreational mahinga tuna, showing continued cultural and recreational use of the area.
Wainui Bridge Site Photos
Group Photo
Upstream View
Downstream View
Wainui Awa ki Uta Survey
Forest Crossing Survey
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
Water Temperature: 19°C
Air Temperature: 29.2°C
Moon Phase: Ouenuku o Paengawhāwhā
Wainui Awa ki Uta Documentation
Group Photo
Upstream View
Downstream View
Wainui Awa Bridge Survey
1
Survey Date
9 April 2025 at 06:53 pm
2
Location Details
Wainui awa - Bridge at -37.952149, 177.485394 (31.2m)
3
Weather Impact
Heavy rain and winds, causing flooding last week
4
Maramataka
He Māwharu o Paengawhāwhā
Wainui Bridge Team Participants
Entry #4 involved a comprehensive team from Ngai Tai-Ao, demonstrating the collaborative nature of this environmental monitoring project.
Survey Team
- Te Puia
- Halo
- Hanene
- Rongomai
- Ryor-Lee
- Taikehu
- Hohepa
Supervising Whaea
- Whaea Helena
- Whaea Ash
Experienced educators guiding the rangatahi in traditional environmental monitoring practices.
Environmental Conditions & Wildlife
Moon Phase Observations
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.
Mahinga Kai Activities
The area serves as a recreational space for swimming and mahi tuna, showing the continued cultural and recreational significance of these waterways.
Wainui Bridge Survey Photos
Upstream View
Downstream View
These images capture the river conditions following heavy rain and flooding, providing important documentation of post-weather event recovery in the ecosystem.
Torere Bridge Pohutukawa Survey
Survey Date
8 May 2025 at 06:05 pm
Entry #5
Location
Torere bridge pohutukawa
-37.951831, 177.482280 (40.2m)
Maramataka
Areroararua
Traditional lunar calendar phase
Torere Survey Team & Conditions
Participants
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.
Environmental Measurements
- Water Temperature: 16°C
- Air Temperature: 20°C
- Mahinga Kai: A (indicating presence)
Water Quality Analysis
77cm
Water Clarity
Excellent visibility measurement indicating clean water conditions
7.2
Wind Speed
Moderate wind conditions during survey period
8
pH Level
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.
Torere Bridge Site Documentation
Group Photo
Upstream View
Downstream View
Survey Data Analysis
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.