Restoring the Rohe: Mapping Te Arawa
Case Study: Te Urunga o Kea
The Context
Te Urunga o Kea
– the name of the Te Arawa Climate Change Working Group – leads regional climate action grounded in Te Arawa values. Their key document -
Te Ara ki Kōpū
- focuses on Te Arawa perspectives on Climate Change addressing the major concerns of whānau and forming those into s Priority Kaupapa. One of these is Biodiversity stating:
• Our lands, forests, lakes, rivers, wetlands and estuaries are pest free and abundant with our taonga species.
• The function and role of our wetlands and native forests are restored.
| Partners | Te Urunga o Kea |
| Challenge | Spatial mapping to guide iwi-led climate and biodiversity planning |
| Eco-index Solutions |
Navigator |
| Outcome | Improved clarity and strategy for cross-iwi restoration conversations |
| Project Supporters |
Biological Heritage NZ |
| Date | 2022 - 2024 |
The Challenge
Back when Eco-index was still a BioHeritage Challenge project, Te Urunga o Kea sought to create a partnership where Eco-index could work with a representative of the Te Arawa working group to gain knowledge and develop tools that visualise and prioritise ecosystem restoration across the various rohe-ā-hapū (tribal areas of interest).
Te Urunga o Kea wanted to unite science and mātauranga to better understand how data science could better inform Te Arawa and guide where and how to restore the lands. But spatial tools often miss iwi-specific realities. The group needed mapping by their own and done in a way which will give mana to the data and therefore support mana motuhake in environmental decision-making.
“The data that came from Navigator was compelling enough to be presented to DOC, enabling us to incorporate our iwi aspirations effectively… Ngāti Rangitihi now are able to work independently within Te Awa o Te Atua, leading ourselves with the awhi and support of Department of Conservation.”
The Solution
Eco-index partnered with Te Urunga o Kea, bringing on board Corey Ruha as a representative to co-develop an iwi-focused GIS solution tailored to the Te Arawa rohe. This collaboration laid the foundations for what would later become the Navigator tool.
Together, Corey and the Eco-index team developed customised spatial layers designed to combine ecological science with iwi priorities. The solution delivered:
10 ecological spatial data layers integrating national datasets and local knowledge
Identification of priority areas for native ecosystem reconstruction, with the ability to visualise ecological opportunities at scale
Navigator tool versions clipped to each tupuna rohe, ensuring accessibility and relevance for individual iwi and hapū decision-making
By co-designing the tool with iwi leadership, Eco-index ensured that Navigator not only provided technical insights but also reflected Te Arawa values, strengthening both scientific rigour and cultural integrity.
The Impact
The co-developed Navigator tool was shared with each Te Arawa rūnanga, enabling them to explore ecological opportunities specific to their rohe.
Ngāti Rangitihi have already used their version of Navigator to successfully support and communicate their aspirations for restoration.
The maps and layers also provided a starting point for hapū and iwi wanting to undertake restoration projects.
Corey’s journey reflects the deeper impact of the collaboration. Through the project, he built advanced GIS and data science skills, applying them to both ecological and cultural storytelling for his iwi. His continued role with Eco-index has seen him grow as a Data Scientist, Science Communicator, and now Director - a testament to the kaupapa of empowering local talent and leadership.
This case demonstrates how a co-developed, tech-enabled solution can drive both ecological restoration and iwi capacity-building - supporting mana motuhake while delivering practical tools for biodiversity action.
The Future
With the successful development of Navigator and the growth of one fo Te Urunga o Kea members into a key operational member of Eco-index, Te Arawa is well placed for integrating environmental tech to support Te Taiao.
Interested in enhancing your restoration efforts with data-driven tools? Contact Eco-index to learn how Navigator and other solutions can support your biodiversity goals.
Interested in restoration initiatives in Te Arawa? Check out the Te Urunga o Kea facebook page to get in contact.