Te Horo i Whakakotahi a P\u016bt\u014drino e Rua is a collaboration between Rangit\u012bkei iwi, regional council, and researchers to explore the social and environmental implications of the 1855 P\u016bt\u014drino landslide in the Rangit\u012bkei Valley. Rangit\u012bkei M\u0101tauranga-a-iwi will complement western science to extend our record of natural hazard events beyond the limited extent of European settlement and written history. Research outputs will inform m\u0101tauranga-based landuse management decisions to build resilient Rangit\u012bkei communities, promote m\u0101tauranga and science amongst rangatahi, and build capability within partner organisations to support ongoing collaborations.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>
M\u0101ori have inhabited low-lying floodplains and coastal areas for generations, developing a deep cultural and spiritual connection with the whenua. Prior to European arrival, M\u0101ori moved with the seasons for kai gathering purposes and constantly adapted to the dynamic conflict between T\u0101ne Mahuta, T\u0101whirim\u0101tea and Tangaroa. Harnessing the m\u0101tauranga passed down through the generations will inform modern society\u2019s ability to meet the challenge of climate change.<\/p>
Extreme natural disasters are becoming more common as a result of climate change. This challenge affects people around the world and is highlighted in Aotearoa by the damage from Cyclone Gabrielle, one of the worst storms to hit the country in living history. As a society, we need to decide whether to stand and defend our turangawaewae or accept the power of nature and begin managed retreat.<\/p>
Our work is guided by a He Awa Whiria approach, gathering targeted landscape information through precision surveys to characterise the whenua around P\u016bt\u014drino. Iwi inform tikanga, facilitating access to awa, whenua and m\u0101tauranga. Cataloguing oral history, landscape information and historic documentation through a Rangit\u012bkei M\u0101tauranga-a-iwi lens will inform treaty settlement and policies that consider both scientific and indigenous concepts and provide opportunities for scientists and indigenous communities to act as environmental advocates, supporting the collective enactment of kaitiakitanga.<\/p> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Te Horo i Whakakotahi a P\u016bt\u014drino e Rua is a collaboration between Rangit\u012bkei iwi, regional council, and researchers to explore the social and environmental implications of the 1855 P\u016bt\u014drino landslide in the Rangit\u012bkei Valley. Rangit\u012bkei M\u0101tauranga-a-iwi will complement western science to extend our record of natural hazard events beyond the limited extent of European settlement … <\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/sites.massey.ac.nz\/putorino\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/144\/2025\/02\/Team-photo-1024x768.jpeg\")