~ 1 ~ Rū Te Whakaturu Whenua Understanding Hapū Relationships Through Cultural Mapping Jovan James Mokaraka-Harris A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the degree of Master of Arts in Geography. University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand 26th of April 2018 ~ 2 ~ Abstract: The paramount objective of this research is to critically analyse a model of knowledge revitalization, reproduction, re-dissemination and re-storage that underpins the traditional Māori essence of building hapū capacity and the relationship hapū descendants have with their ancestral lands. The contemporary application of traditional essence for the research objective above will investigate the use of GIS (Geographic Information System), UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) and various visual technologies to enhance the traditional knowledge aspirations of hapū via the form of indigenous cultural mapping. This form of cultural mapping will be analysed through three main realms: first, in terms of traditional aspects of mapping and the use of knowledge within; second, analysing mapping and the use of knowledge throughout the colonial process; and finally, piecing together the aspired future of cultural mapping and how this may provide insight into how the future of hapū development may be structured. Aligned with a Kaupapa Māori approach, the present research utilised a mixed methods approach utilising semi-structured interviews, site visits and participatory mapping techniques to gather information and ancestral knowledge aligned to the research objectives. ~ 3 ~ Acknowledgements: Saved always as the last section to be written this section is dedicated towards the acknowledgement of all the amazing people, communities and institutions that have given their precious time and awhi to the completion of this thesis. I must say my journey has been an absolute breeze. Very much in the same way I can say that I have not developed the preference for coffee first thing in the morning, every morning. But in reflection I truly can say I have very much enjoyed the process and know it has been worth the ride. I would first of all like to acknowledge and thank our manukura for sharing and entrusting your valuable and highly esteemed knowledge and advice over the duration of our knowledge building process. It was an immense honour to have had the opportunity to come spend time, share kai for the mind and also to share kai for the puku as well. It was very much a privilege sitting at the feet of your knowledge and listening to your kōrero. Secondly, I would like to acknowledge the two most awesome and supportive supervisors, Michelle and Christina. Once again thank you two very much for all the support and encouragement you have given me over duration of this mahi. Thank you for providing me with so many opportunities to present and express my ideas with wider audiences and having the most utmost confidence in me when I did not. I am very grateful to you two and all the awhi that has supported me. Ngā mihi kia kōrua I would like to thank kindly University of Otago (University of Otago Māori Postgraduate Scholarship), Te Rūnanga o Te Rarawa (Tarutaru me Ruapounamu Memorial), Omapere Taraire E & Rangihamama X3A Ahu Whenua Trust and Taitokerau Maori Trust Board for providing me with essential financial support during the duration of my postgraduate studies. I am ever indebted thank you very much for your assurance and having been given the opportunity. My final dedication and last acknowledgement goes out to my whānau, Shawnee and your whānau. Thank you very much for allowing me to grow up in a safe and positive environment. Thank you for being there all the way and allowing me to aspire to be. There is one debt that will always be bigger than my student loan. It is one of those debts that I am glad to have, and it is the debt I have to you all. It consists of endless love and support; and hand-me-down shoes that I will continue to walk in, forever wishing that one day I will be able to fill them ~ 4 ~ Contents: Abstract................................................................................................................................ 2 Aknowledgements............................................................................................................... 3 1 The Tree of Historical Context................................................................................8 1.1 Research Context...................................................................................................................10 1.2 Research Objectives and Questions....................................................................................11 1.3 Thesis Structure......................................................................................................................12 2 The Winds of Theory..............................................................................................14 2.1 Eco-Physical Realm..............................................................................................................15 2.2 Spiritual Realm......................................................................................................................18 2.3 Social Realm..........................................................................................................................21 2.4 Conclusion............................................................................................................................23 3 Soils of Methodology..............................................................................................25 3.1 Introduction.........................................................................................................................25 3.2 The Niche for Cultivating Research Appropiately........................................................25 3.2.1 Ignorance......................................................................................................26 3.2.2 Appropriation..............................................................................................26 3.2.3 Distrust.........................................................................................................27 3.3 From Indigenous Soil to Māori soil................................................................................28 3.3.1 Rangatiratanga..............................................................................................30 3.3.2 Whakapapa.................................................................................................. 32 3.3.3 Te Reo...........................................................................................................34 3.4 Case Study....................................................................................................................... ...37 3.5 Listening to Noting the songs of the manu................................................................ ...37 3.5.1 Kaiaiā.............................................................................................................39 3.5.2 Te Torea................................................................................................... ...39 3.5.3 Tirairaka........................................................................................................40 ~ 5 ~ 3.5.4 Te Kāhu..................................................................................................... ...41 3.6 Collecting Information.....................................................................................................41 3.7 Understanding the songs and data analysis...................................................................42 3.8 Ethics..................................................................................................................................43 3.9 Methodology Conclusion……………………………………………………….44 4 The Ancestral Space of Navigation.......................................................................45 4.1 Te Atea/Maraeroa: The Ancestral Landscape is a landscape of our ancestors.......45 4.2 Five Dimensions of Space..............................................................................................47 4.2.1 Ki roto............................................................................................47 4.2.2 Ki waho..........................................................................................48 4.2.3 Ki Runga....................................................................................... 49 4.2.4 Ki Anga......................................................................................... 49 4.3 Te Mahara: Connecting to be a part of The Primordial Memory............................51 5 Eco-Physical Relationship.....................................................................................52 5.1 Visions of the old Ancestral landscape………………………………………. 53 5.2 Carving the landscape – Ki uta ki tai ......................................................................... 55 5.2.1 The Ridges and Skyline.............................................................................55 5.2.2 The Rivers & Springs ...............................................................................69 5.2.3 The Catchment...........................................................................................71 5.3 Te Wairua o Te Rakau....................................................................................................74 5.4 Sanding Down the Landscape.......................................................................................75