Enhancing drinking water quality in remote Māori communities

Abstract

This article reports the findings of a twoyear transdisciplinary research project that explored the implications of climate change for the security and safety of drinking water supplies in three communities in Te Hiku o te Ika in Aotearoa New Zealand. In this region, potable water comes mainly from “roof and tank” systems. The project was designed as integrative Kaupapa Mäori * Te Rarawa, Ngäi Tupoto, Ngäti Here, Tahäwai. Researcher, Whariki Research Group, Massey University, Auckland, New Zealand. Email: tirairaka@outlook.com † Te Rarawa, Ngäti Hine, Ngäpuhi. Kaitohutohu Matua Taiao/Senior Environmental Consultant, WSP OPUS, Auckland, New Zealand. ‡ Te Kapotai, Ngäpuhi-nui-tonu. Director, Whariki Research Group, Massey University, Auckland, New Zealand. § Senior Research Scientist, Institute of Environmental Science and Research Ltd, Christchurch, New Zealand. || Hydrologist, NIWA, Christchurch, New Zealand. ¶ Researcher, Whariki Research Group, Massey University, Auckland, New Zealand. W. HENWOOD ET AL. 98 MAI JOURNAL VOLUME 8, ISSUE 2, 2019 research utilising climate science, microbiology and social science to develop communityoriented approaches for dealing with the complex issues at the nexus of climate change. Evidencebased advice and practical suggestions tailored to specific locations were developed by drawing on climate change projections, local mätauranga Mäori and drinking water studies. Interviews with kaumätua surfaced longstanding knowledge and experience of the climate and its variations in Te Hiku. Computerbased scenario modelling—using both automated and communitycollected data on precipitation and temperature—produced 80year climate change projections of water security. Healthfocused Escherichia coli studies revealed the current water quality and used climate data to predict future water quality. Overall, this research reinforces arguments in the literature that the findings of transdisciplinary studies can provide more explanatory power than singlediscipline research.