Join us for He Huihuinga Roto Moana, an evening of inspiring kōrero about the health of our lakes and waterways. Learn how mātauranga Māori and western science are working together to protect and restore the mauri of our precious roto and awa.
You’ll hear from researchers and local experts on topics like invasive freshwater clams, lake water quality, tuna migrations and traditional W**d control using uwhi (woven W**d mats).
What to expect:
• Insightful presentations
• Q&A with the speakers
• Networking and kai
Guest speakers & topics:
🔵 Sarah Wharekura is a passionate advocate for freshwater conservation. Discover how Te Arawa Lakes Trust is weaving together mātauranga Māori and western science to protect the awa and roto of Te Arawa through their Uri for Uwhi education programme. This new programme is all about teaching students all aspects of producing an uwhi (woven W**d mats) to manage aquatic pest plants using mātauranga Māori.
🔵 Maggie Armstrong is originally from the midwestern region of the United States and is currently a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Waikato in Hamilton. Her presentation will cover an introduction to the importance of knowing water quality, including what is often measured and what it can tell us. An overview will also be provided of the different kinds of research projects that are being done by the university group.
🔵 Dr. Deborah Hofstra leads research into the gold clam, a fast-spreading invasive species threatening our freshwater ecosystems. She leads the Biosecurity Flagship Programme at Earth Sciences NZ (formerly NIWA) and has a background in freshwater ecology and invasive species management.
🔵 Siobhan is a PhD candidate at the University of Waikato. Her rangahau looks at ocean migrations of larval longfin and shortfin tuna in Aotearoa, specifically focussing on the Rangitāiki River. Siobhan has previously helped investigate kākahi monitoring methods and contributed to the understanding of heavy metal accumulation in kōura for iwi freshwater fisheries.
Free event | all welcome
Bring your curiosity and come and join the kōrero.
See you there!
Also check out other Health & Wellness events in Rotorua.
