He Raraunga Hāpori is a project that is part of the He Pā Harakeke: Thriving Regions North Island programme of research and is funded through the New Zealand Building Better Homes, Towns and Cities National Science Challenge. The project follows on from completed work during Phase 1 of He Pā Harakeke, in which an exploratory framework was developed that linked Mason Durie’s Te Pae Mahutonga model of Māori well-being to the measurement of different types of community capital and infrastructure (Ryks et al, 2018). The indicators provided a strengths-based snapshot into the wellbeing of a community at a given point in time and measured change over time. We expand on this earlier work to map the range of social services available, and profile demographic change and wellbeing with a specific focus on mana whenua/Māori communities in Pōkeno (Waikato district).
Our research programme is also based around understanding ‘thriving regions’ and in particular mana whenua (local Indigenous peoples) needs and aspirations. In Pōkeno we have used the tools of GIS to push back against extractive colonial geographic practices, and instead produce community-led research that contributes to the aspirations of mana whenua. We have produced two sets of StoryMaps that highlight and amplify the voice of mana whenua, are a tool for promoting mana whenua aspirations, and empower mana whenua in their discussions with local and central government. Rather than using geospatial tools to map or analyse Indigenous people, we have collaborated with mana whenua and used geospatial tools together to help them to tell their story.