Pathway of Hinekirikiri - Burial Ground
Exploring the Intertidal Zone of Ngārimu Bay: A Journey Through Māori Culture and Environment
Ngārimu Bay, situated in the Firth of Thames, is a rich and diverse marine environment, teeming with life and steeped in Māori culture. A collection of resources, downloadable as PDFs, offers a unique opportunity to delve into the local ecosystem from a te ao Māori perspective.
The intertidal zone, the area between the high and low tide marks along the shore, is referred to as Hinekirikiri in Māori. This term, a combination of "hine" (young woman or female spirit) and "kirikiri" (sand or gritty), evokes the sandy shore environment that is so characteristic of Ngārimu Bay.
The intertidal zone is significant in Māori language and culture, with various names and concepts reflecting its natural features and life forms. For example, Tahuna means sandbank or sandy shore, often part of the intertidal landscape, while Tāhuna makuku refers to mudflats found within the zone. Wai tai, the tidal waters, and Hīnaki, traditionally an eel trap, are also associated with the intertidal area.
Māori consider the intertidal zone as a place rich in life and an important environment for gathering kai moana (seafood), such as shellfish, crustaceans, and fish. Ika (fish), kōuraura (shrimp), kuku (mussels), and many other species can be found in Ngārimu Bay's intertidal zone. The area is also home to various marine life, like ngā manu o te moana (seabirds), mōwhiti (sandhoppers), ngaeti (periwinkles), and ngākihi (limpets).
Beaches in Ngārimu Bay offer a variety of habitats for beach-dwelling organisms, making them an ideal location for the "Beach visits - habitats and food webs" activity. During this activity, some of the kupu Māori (Māori words) can be used, such as ākau (rocky shore), hāpua (lagoon), and hāroto (rock pool).
Māori have their own particular protocols when visiting coastal sites or gathering sea-based resources. It is recommended to arrange for someone from your local iwi to discuss these protocols with students. The glossary of kupu Māori mō te ara o Hinekirikiri includes many more terms associated with the intertidal zone.
The resources, collectively known as "Hub resources with te reo Māori," are a curation of materials translated into te reo Māori and featuring both te reo Māori and English. The resources have been Published and Updated to ensure their relevance and accuracy.
"Estuaries - a Māori perspective" is another resource that supports students in engaging with the environment from a te ao Māori perspective. This resource, along with the others, offers a valuable opportunity to learn about and appreciate the rich cultural and environmental history of Ngārimu Bay.
The intertidal zone's exploration in Ngārimu Bay, rich with Māori cultural connections, can be deepened through studying environmental-science resources published in PDF format, providing an insight into the area from a te ao Māori perspective. As part of these resources, students can learn and use kupu Māori, such as Hinekirikiri and Tahuna, when engaging in education-and-self-development activities, like the "Beach visits - habitats and food webs" activity.
By integrating Māori terms and concepts into their lifestyle, individuals can foster a deeper understanding of the diverse marine environment and unique history of Ngārimu Bay, bridging science and the environment with Māori culture and education.
