Ka Manawa Piharau tō Ratau: Workshop Summary

At the close of the final Our Land and Water Symposium, our MC, Johny O’Donnell, spoke of the migratory habits of kūaka (godwits). Every year, these birds complete the cycle of their long journey from the great Siberian and Alaskan tundra, passing over Hawaiki moana to return to the rich feeding grounds of Aotearoa’s tidal flats and coastal marshes. When the kūaka leave Aotearoa, it’s not just an ending but a beginning. Haere ake nei.

The final element of the symposium involved three facilitated workshops where all participants were encouraged to share their thoughts and hopes for the future direction of land and water research in Aotearoa. This document summarises the discussions in these three workshops, supplemented by quotes from across the event. In summary: Our Land and Water has left an indelible legacy. The levers are there for change.