Relationships between Maori values and streamflow: tools for incorporating cultural values into freshwater management decisions

This study aimed to develop quantitative relationships for Maori cultural values supported by streamflow. We examined the results of a Cultural Flow Preference Study (CFPS) for five streams in Canterbury, New Zealand, and used mixed effects models to quantify how observed streamflow supported scores for Overall Health (OH). Relationships between streamflow and OH differed between sites and assessors within each site. Ignoring differences between sites and assessors, there was a positive relationship that explained 5% of the variation between streamflow and OH. After accounting for differences between sites and assessors, there was a positive relationship that explained 53% and 62% of the variation respectively. Flow attributes sustaining cultural values are based on the characteristics of the site and relationships change between rivers. Our study provides a transferable framework for developing cultural health–flow relationships that will enable Maori to be involved from the outset of any environmental flow assessment.