ON DEMAND - Mātauranga Māori in Contaminated Land

There is no soil contamination standard, water guideline value, or approved laboratory analytical method for mauri. Yet restoring the life essence to contaminated soil and water is often the primary focus for local iwi in their role as kaitiaki (guardians) of the land. As contaminated land and groundwater practitioners, how can we help to address these concerns?

Dr. Daniel Hikuroa (University of Auckland) and Troy Brockbank (PDP) will discuss a framework of understanding, perceiving, and thereby revitalising mauri which weaves mātauranga Māori (indigenous knowledge) and science together.

The presentation will be followed by a question and answer session. Drinks and nibbles will be served during the networking session.

ABOUT THE SPEAKERS

Daniel Hikuroa
Senior Lecturer
University of Auckland

Dan Hikuroa (Ngāti Maniapoto, Waikato-Tainui/ Ngaati Whanaunga) employs Earth Systems/Environmental Humanities approaches in his work at Waipapa Taumata Rau/University of Auckland. As a world expert, he weaves indigenous knowledge and science to realise the dreams of the communities he works with. Dan is UNESCO New Zealand Culture Commissioner, AGU Council member, has key roles within New Zealand’s Science Research Sector and is re-imagining/remembering relationships with water. In addition, Dan spearheads alternative ways of assessing sustainability, including weaving indigenous knowledge and epistemologies with science and into legislation, assessment frameworks and decision-support tools.

Troy Brockbank
Māori Advisory Lead
Pattle Delamore Partners

Troy Brockbank (Te Rarawa, Ngāti Hine, Ngāpuhi) is a civil engineer and cultural advisor with fifteen years of experience working across engineering consultancies, civil contractors & suppliers.  He has developed specialist skills in investigation, design, manufacture, construction, and project management of environmental solutions for public and private developments. He is experienced in stakeholder relationships and engagement with iwi, hapū, whānau and marae entities, and is involved with numerous iwi projects in Aotearoa NZ. He considers himself an intermediary, having the advantage of seeing aspects from both an engineering and a Te Ao Māori world view. He has developed a real passion and ability for water sensitive design, particularly, solutions that affect Te Mana o Te Wai - protecting the health and quality of waterways and the environment. In his current position, Troy has a leadership role within PDP to bridge the gap between these two worlds and lead mātauranga Māori input within PDP.