Tohu Taiao Journal

Project Kaitiaki, alongside Natalya Gibson (Waitiaki – Environmental Coordinator), has created the Waitiaki Tohu Taiao Journal – a practical tool to support whānau in monitoring the health of our awa, wai, and taiao. This journal weaves together mātauranga Māori observation and scientific monitoring, helping you track changes in your local environment over a full year. By combining kaitiakitanga practices with data, we can build a clearer, shared understanding of the wellbeing of our taiao.

Below is a list of helpful resources and videos to support using the journal.

resource SHEETS

HOW TO videos

These videos provide an overview of the Waitaki Tohu Taiao Journal, guiding you through Tirotiro Awa – where you’ll learn to observe stream health by assessing water flow, riverbank vegetation, streambed composition, periphyton, and freshwater invertebrates – as well as Pūtaiao, which covers water quality testing using a SHMAK kit, including practical tips for data collection and interpretation.

HOW TO USE A SHMAK KIT

NIWA has developed these instructional videos on how to use the equipment contained within a SHMAK Kit. Use these videos to help guide you in testing your wai.