W # hi ngaro (the lost portion): Strengthening relationships between people and wetlands in north Taranaki, New Zealand

During the last twenty years M # ori have endeavoured to re-establish control over their material culture and spiritual relationship to the landscape working through new associations with local bodies, museums and researchers. One of their concerns is with cultural wetlands. Wetlands contain M # ori , archaeological and ecological values. Despite this, current legislation offers little or no protection for these fragile ecosystems or for the spiritual concerns of M # ori . The previously extensive wetlands of Taranaki have been partly drained to produce farmland, and many waterlogged wooden artefacts have been recovered. On-going drainage continues to place these sites at risk. This paper outlines our efforts to strengthen the relationship between Ng # ti Mutunga of north Taranaki and their wetlands through a research programme in which Ng # ti Mutunga play an active role. Our joint venture has required effort and understanding from both parties, and the research programme's aims and procedures have been altered to accommodate M # ori concerns.