Image: Pīwakawaka the New Zealand Fantail, Bird
Widespread and common throughout mainland Aōtearoa New Zealand, the pīwakawaka is one of the native forest birds that holds a significant position in Māori mythology – death. Maui tried to kill the mother of all mankind, Hine hui te po, because he wanted mankind to live forever. Pīwakawaka began laughing and woke Hine hui te po who then killed Maui.
I start my research blog as I start to write up my doctoral research, which is centred around a case study, myself and my relationship with the case study. The topic, or theme, is integrated catchment management – decolonised, rebuilt, shared, knowledge creation, ecosystem, place and whanangatanga at its core.