Sharing the Waiwhakaiho is a project initiated by Massey University with partnership from Intercreate.org, NIWA and Taranaki Regional Council. The project stretched across both terrain and the human landscape, integrating the following components.
Four creative projects, a documentary and this website curated by Ian Clothier of Intercreate
Tīahoaho: bearing light on the Waiw’akai’o by Kura Puke and Stu Foster.
oro awa waha wai by Julieanna Preston.
River Resonations by Trudy Lane.
The River Speaks by Ian Clothier, Andrew Hornblow and Nina Czegledy with contributions from Dr Te Huirangi Waikerepuru, Kura Puke, Stacey Aglok MacDonald, Andrew Thomas, Darren Ward and Jo Tito.
Sharing the Waiwhakaiho documentary directed by Anand Rose of Green Cow.
The geology of the river and the mountain – interviews with Vince Neall of Massey University, by Green Cow
The volcanic history of Taranaki.
The statistical probability of an eruption of Mt Taranaki – more likely than you might think
The seismic network around the mountain to detect dangerous events – the potnetial for eruption is taken seriously by the District Council and oil industry.
The Waiwhakaiho and lahars– what would happen if one occurred?
Farmer interviews with Tom Phillips
Interview with Wayne Peters, local farmer
An interview with Craig Knowles, who farms next to Taranaki/Egmont National Park.
An interview with Alistair and Amanda.
Heni George and Myree – intergenerational interview.
An interview with Keith Rowlands.
Articles about the river from the local perspective
White water kyakinginterview with Mark Garner.
Local historian and writer– Ron Mells.
The heritage of bridges at Te Rewa Rewa – the current one is much loved by locals.
Taranaki – hydro power pioneer– the Waiwhakaiho was the source of early hydro electricity.
Art and science
A brief history of water in science and art.
The paleovalley – the changing river mouth.
The cultural significance of red ochre.
Underwater video and audio of the Waiwhakaiho.
Project description
The Living Lab concept encourages researchers from multiple academic disciplines to collaborate with a community to create a deeper understanding and appreciation of a natural entity or physical space from many perspectives – Jane Richardson
This is the project website for Sharing the Waiwhakaiho – Taranaki Living Lab. The project is led by Massey University’s Department of People, Environment and Planning in partnership with NIWA, Taranaki Regional Council, Intercreate, Te Matahiapo and Jock McQueenie.
A defining entity for three iwi and associated hapu, the Waiwhakaiho River is one of more than 300 waterways flowing from Mount Taranaki and one of the region’s largest rivers, with high cultural, aesthetic, recreational, ecological and economic value to the people and iwi of Taranaki.
The Waiwhakaiho Catchment includes part of Egmont National Park, three marae sites, areas of intensive agricultural landuse, and urban and recreational sites.
Social scientists will collect and record diverse experiences, memories and images of the Waiwhakaiho. These will be displayed on social media and converted into digital artwork to communicate the river’s rich stories, meanings and value to the community.