Te Kūwaha and Māori

Sharing knowledge with Māori communities and empowering Māori business with the latest science.

We are NIWA, Taihoro Nukurangi - Te Reo
Te Kūwaha, NIWA’s National Centre for Māori Environmental Research is a dedicated Māori research team, with a vision to work in partnership with others to enable complementary knowledge systems to support kaitiakitanga and provide environmental research excellence that enhances the social, environmental and economic aspirations of whānau, hapū and iwi, Māori communities and Māori business.

  • tuna

    Taonga species

    Te Kūwaha, NIWA’s Māori Environmental Research team, partners with whānau, hapū and iwi to co-develop methods for the protection, restoration and economic development of taonga species.
  • Te Ukaipo o Hinemoana (Cumulative effects)

    Software Tool/Resource
    Online decision-support web mapping tools for informing the management of cumulative effects in the coastal and marine environment.
  • tuna

    Cultural Keystone Species

    Freshwater Cultural Keystone (Taonga) Species such as tuna, kōura and kāeo/kākahi are central to the identity and wellbeing of many Māori communities throughout Āotearoa. For generations, these species have sustained communities and been vital in the transfer of customary practices and knowledge from one generation to the next.
  • Climate and Māori Society

    Research Project
    Climate has always been important for Māori. It affects natural environmental systems and resources, influences social-ecological knowledge and practice, shapes community vulnerability and resilience.
  • Koru

    Te Kūwaha Graduate Programme

    NIWA’s Te Kūwaha Graduate Internship programme has been established to help support and create tangible pathways for the next generation of Māori researchers.
  • Taonga Species Series: Tuangi

    Feature story
    What does science tell us about New Zealand cockles?
  • We are NIWA, Taihoro Nukurangi

  • Te Kūwaha team

    Te Piko o te Māhuri

    Te Piko o te Māhuri is a development initiative that provides pathways and opportunities for young Māori researchers across NIWA’s climate, freshwater and oceans platforms
  • Matariki viewing prospects

    Media release
    NIWA meteorologists say people living in the lower North Island and eastern South Island are likely to get the best views of the Matariki star cluster during the upcoming weekend.
  • Going easy on the scallops

    Feature story
    From scallop beds to trawl nets, a little bit of data science can make a big difference. Melissa Bray explains.
  • Taonga Species Series: Kanae

    Feature story
    What does science tell us about New Zealand mullet?
  • Cultural Keystone Species

    Research Project
    A four-year research programme focused on the co-management and restoration of our freshwater taonga species.