Tūhourangi presents at the National Esri User Conference 2026
As part of our collaboration with Pūrangakura for the Wai Ora Kāinga Ora (WOKO) research, Hana Tapiata (Tūhourangi Kāinga Based Researcher) presented some of the mapping mahi and Pūrangakura research at the National Esri User Conference 2026 alongside ArcGIS expert, Stuart Pidgeon from Tektus.
The presentation showcased how digital spatial technologies can support the mapping of Tūhourangi waiata, preserve kōrero tuku iho and show different layers of connection between generations.
“Maps have long been used to divide and disenfranchise us from our own whenua, and even the whenua from its broader ecosystem in te taiao, i.e. land confiscations by the Crown, the Māori Land Court cutting lines on a piece of paper to portion land here and there.. I have enjoyed the challenge of learning how ArcGIS mapping tools can instead enhance our connections with our whenua, histories and mātauranga and help bring our kōrero to life in different ways.”
“Are there other things our people want to do with these tools? How can ArcGIS and other mapping technologies support our aspirations as Tūhourangi? He wānanga nui kei te haere!”
Not only do Tūhourangi have access to the wisdom, experiences and skills of seven other kāinga who are also part of the WOKO project, but through Pūrangakura can access engineers, architects, researchers, policy analysts, monitoring and testing specialists and more to explore how to regenerate local waters and ecosystems through intergenerational, kāinga based wai solutions.
The Esri User Conference 2026 also aligns with WOKO entering its third year, which will focus more on regular wānanga and kōrero-sharing space with our iwi. The first two years have been about Pūrangakura and the Kāinga finding our feet to be able to refine where we want to go, what we want to do with our rangahau to best serve our people.
Be sure to keep an eye out on our Facebook and instagram for updates about this kaupapa and for opportunities to share your kōrero.