The Tau Kōura Project is all about reconnecting uri and whānau with our taonga species, while helping to restore and protect kōura within our rohe.

Through this kaupapa, we’re observing changes in kōura populations, looking into the reasons behind those shifts, and learning what impact they have on our taiao. The project combines mātauranga Māori with research practices, ensuring uri not only understand what’s happening but also gain the skills to monitor these changes themselves.

Every two weeks, uri and whānau come together for wānanga and hands-on monitoring. Whakaweku (bundles used to attract kōura) are set in different streams around Ohakune, with findings recorded on kōura survey sheets.

Our focus is to:

• Share the importance of cultural traditions, especially traditional methods of catching kōura, and explore how they can be applied to research.
• Compare traditional practices with modern techniques, such as electrofishing.
• Monitor kōura habitats and measure current findings against historical records.
• Use the data to guide where we restore and where we protect existing habitats.
• Build knowledge and understanding so uri, hapū, and iwi can actively contribute to a thriving environment.