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Īnaka

Holding a handful of īnaka over a white bucket.

The name īnaka often describes the juveniles of five native fish species from the Galaxiidae family, but it can also be used to refer to the adults of these species. Various iwi use a variety of names for both juvenile and adult fish, as well as names to describe migrating or returning fish.

Īnaka are threatened by the decline in the quantity and quality of their habitats. Threats include the loss of repo, degradation of spawning grounds and barriers (culverts and floodgates) that disconnect migration and habitats.

Related resources

Ngāi Tahu  Mahinga Kai video

  • Īnaka – featuring Paul Wilson from Te Waipounamu’s West Coast

  • Download a PDF of the video transcript here 

Articles

  • Te matamata – ngā karu o Matariki – Science Learning Hub

  • Te ngaro haere o ngā tikanga tūturu e pā ana ki te hao matamata – Science Learning Hub

  • Me pēhea te whakaora ake i te matamata? – Science Learning Hub

  • Matamata: Eating with our tūpuna – Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research

  • Whitebait – Science Learning Hub

  • Whitebaiting – Science Learning Hub

  • Īnanga – NIWA

Videos

  • Inanga and other whitebait – Science Learning Hub

  • Culverts, ramps and baffles – Science Learning Hub

Activity

Glossary

Rights: Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu 
Published: 31 August 2022Size: 2.33 MB
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