Karaitiana Ripaki-Tamatea
The history of Ngāti Koroki Kahukura with the river and their relationships with the living species within the river showed the importance of us to play an important role in looking after the health of the river but also the experience of knowing what locations to look for the eels. And also, most of my uncles and my aunties own a lot of land around Karāpiro , so it was a bit more passive for us to access these specific lands.
From stories that I’ve been told, the river was a means of resource for kai, also a side of socialising as well. So I guess in a way, the river has looked after us and our ancestors back in the days, and I guess it’s our turn to return the favour to the river.
Acknowledgement:
The Waikato Tainui College for Research and Development acknowledges the financial support given by the Waikato River Cleanup Trust Fund which is administered by the Waikato River Authority.
The Waikato River Cleanup Trust does not necessarily endorse or support the content of the publication in any way.