Planning to Thrive: How Te Waiariki, Ngāti Kororā, Ngāti Takapari Hapū Iwi Trust Are Leading Climate Adaptation

Planning for a future where we all thrive – with so much change and uncertainty around us, planning has become harder but also more important. Māori communities in Northland face these challenges alongside the long-standing impacts of colonisation. For mana whenua (Māori with enduring territorial rights), planning for a future that reflects both past experiences and future risks is critical. This process is not only about safeguarding their own community, it creates opportunities for deeper understanding between mana whenua and the wider community.

Successive governments and local councils have acknowledged the importance of this work because it strengthens resilience, protects cultural integrity, and benefits all New Zealanders. While not all mana whenua groups have begun this journey, several have and the path they are leading is significant for them and for us.

A (Matauranga Maori) Māori-Led Approach to Climate Adaptation

Using a Māori research methodology He Kōrero Rapunga (a framework for inquiry grounded in Māori knowledge), Te Waiariki, Ngāti Kororā, Ngāti Takapari Hapū Iwi Trust have explored how climate change threatens their environment and Hapū. They combined their unique cultural perspectives of their hapū with climate data to build a clear picture of what has changed, what may change, and what actions are needed to ensure whānau and hapū thrive in a rich and vibrant environment.

Planning began with a risk assessment entitled Te tai e haruru ana, Te Awa e Ngunguru ana. They examined these risks through their own cultural perspectives and incorporated mātauranga (traditional knowledge) to understand threats to land, water, and people. A further assessment was incorporated based on atua Maori and reflections from whānau were gathered to connect long-standing experiences of place with present and future challenges.

What They Found

The risk assessment highlighted critical challenges such as coastal erosion and flooding, which affect whānau access and essential services. It also highlighted the environmental changes that have already impacted traditional practices including food and water sources, such as the loss of mahinga kai sources (wild foods) due to land-use changes and how these have deep and long-standing impacts. One hapū member captured this change when talking about how they now teach their grandchildren:

“I teach my mokopuna (grandchildren) how to gather kaimoana (sea food), how to wait for the right tide, how to only take what they need, but it’s not the same lesson anymore. Instead of teaching them how to find kai, I have to teach them why it’s disappearing.”

Climate change will likely worsen these impacts if action is not taken. Understanding these risks in ways that the hapū connect to creates space for forward-looking plans.

The Adaptation Plan

Te Waiariki, Ngāti Kororā, Ngāti Takapari hapū iwi Trust adaptation plan, Te Ngakahi combines risk awareness with deep knowledge of land and sea within their tribal boundaries to form a roadmap for action. While the full details of the plan and risk assessment are not publicly available, agencies are encouraged to engage with Te Waiariki, Ngāti Kororā, Ngāti Takapari hapū iwi Trust to learn more. Doing so offers insights into how culturally grounded planning can strengthen resilience for the entire region.

You can learn more about Te Waiariki – Ngāti Kororā, Ngāti Takapari hapū iwi Trust approach to climate adaptation and resilience by watching their overview of Te Ngātaki, the climate adaptation strategy, on YouTube.
Te Ngataiki Click to watch on YouTube