Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

GIS has become an established component of the Ngāi Tahu toolkit to ensure the Office is working towards outcomes that deliver real benefit to Papatipu Rūnanga and Ngāi Tahu Whānui. The most visual (and time consuming) project this year has been the Cultural Heritage Mapping project where GIS provides the engine for mapping the Ngāi Tahu values associated with our place and space. In this project, Ngāi Tahu place names, places and associated kōrero are mapped using a blend of literature research and, most importantly, kōrero from manawhenua. Our land based takiwā is approximately 14 million hectares, so this project will continue to be a feature for some years.

While GIS is integral to the Heritage project which is assisting our cultural protection and revitalisation vision, it has also played a role in a number of other equally important projects. As part of a wider protection and development focus, GIS has assisted tribal properties and Te Waihora restoration projects; DoC relationships and planning documents; customary fisheries mātaitai and taiāpure applications; resource management consent hearings and appeals; some in-house mapping for confidential and sensitive issues, as well as discrete jobs for some Papatipu Rūnanga.

The GIS highlight of the year has to be the Māori GIS conference. The ability for GIS to assist cultural revitalisation and development opportunities was highlighted by the range of GIS projects showcased in Ōtautahi in May. Over 30 different iwi participated in the hui with delegates attending from Kaitaia to Murihiku. A small number of Government Agencies attended the conference and presented their projects to a primarily supportive audience. Several delegates commented that the energy level on the first day was very high and set the scene for the entire conference. The second day was standing room only as the day was primarily dedicated to rōpū presentations, including several from our own Te Rūnanga staff. Iwi projects ranged from heritage mapping; archaeological surveys; resource management and environmental monitoring to future development opportunities. Importantly, the third day was still well attended, right down to the forum at the end of the conference which produced great discussions and two resolutions: to hold another conference next year and to support the formation of a Māori GIS forum and a dedicated website.

The breadth of vision and honesty that emanated from kōrero at the conference confirms Ngāi Tahu is on a par with other iwi to making GIS a tool that works for us.