Roku Mihinui, Nicole Pakau and Ngapera Nicholls recently attended an aquaculture wānanga on behalf of Te Arawa Fisheries, hosted by Te Arawa ki Tai, Raewyn Bennett and Cawthron seafood safety experts Tim Harwood, Kirsty Smith, Sam Murray, and Jack Hervey.

The wānanga centred around the health of shellfish and the impact of harmful algal blooms (HABs) exacerbated by climate change. A key focus was on the increasing prevalence of the Alexandrium species, which cause Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP), posing significant risks to human health, despite not harming the shellfish.

The need for improved monitoring and testing methods was a critical point, with Cawthron working on developing accessible, real-time tools to empower kaitiaki and communities. This initiative, supported by the Vision Mātauranga Capability Fund, aims to blend mātauranga Māori with Western science to enhance the understanding and awareness of PSP risks among whānau.

Te Arawa ki Tai, established in response to the Rena oil spill, is dedicated to caring for the coastal and marine environments. Its focus is on educational initiatives, research, and restoration kaupapa, such as monitoring the health of the Ōngātoro (Maketu estuary) and restoring the Little Waihi estuary. 

Te Arawa Fisheries is committed to supporting efforts to safeguard the health of both te taiao and whānau through collaboration and support for those making a positive impact in the community.