species were harvested including kokopu, paraki (smelt), inanga, korokoro (lamprey) tuna and köaro. Although freshwater fish and tuna have been severely depleted, they are still an important resource for Ngāti Kōata toda y. Ngahere Traditionally, papakainga in the river valleys were surrounded by an abundant source of timber. The river flats were heavily forested with tōtara and rimu, along with lush dense stands of other native timbers. Trees were a source of food and a vast range of edible products were harvested from the forests including karaka berries, ngaio, kawakawa, rimu, matai, su ppleack, hinau, miro and tō j tara, as well as the young leaves, hearts and shoots of the nikau palm. Rata blossom honey, the fruit of kie kie, the trunk pith and frond stems of mamaku (black tree fern) were all gathered by tūpuna. Manu In pre-European times, the birdlife associated with ngā awa was also plentiful. Kererū, kākāpō, tui, ko rimako, weka, kaka and kiwi were found in the forested river valleys; pūkeko and ducks in the wetland areas. The Blue Duck or Whio was common on the faster flow ing waters. Ngā manu were no t only important as a source of food, but th e feathers were used for cloaks and decorating garments and taonga. Mātauranga Mātauranga associated with the collection of resources from ngā awa was central to the lives of tūpuna and remains a significant part of the cultural identity of whānau today. Mātauranga is essential for maintaining cus tomary practic es - the tikanga and kawa associated with gathering and utilising resources. Examples include; the collection of plants and use of w ater for medicinal purposes (rongoā), the harvesting of different species according to the seasons or tohu (signs), and the collection of plants for dying and weaving kete. Mātauranga Māori is intertwined with ngā awa and the many resources associated with their waters. For Ngāti Kōata, the importance of taking part in the management of the Pelorus, Maitai and Waimea River s cannot be overstated. Th e taonga, wāhi tapu and customary practices associated with these sacred waters are integral to the spiritual, cultural and economic prosperity of Ngāti Kōat a. The following paragraphs explore the relationship Ngāti Kōata has maintained with these awa since their arrival in Te Tau Ihu. MAITAI RIVER AND ITS TRIBUTARIES The Maitai River was originally known as ―Mahitahi ‖, which is thought to relate to tūpuna working as ‘on e’ with the pakohe to produce tools. Maitai means ‘hard’, or ‘excel lent’ in Maori. The high-grade pakohe found in the valley became known as Maitai, as the stone was hard and excellent for working into weapons and fine tools. Ngāti Kōata s ettled at Whakatu in Punawai and Pikimai following the tuku and subsequent “ takahia te whenua. From those settlements they utilised the resources of ” the Matai River for mahinga kai, rongoa, weaving and building materials. The natural resources gathered from the catchment also attracted tūpuna from as far as Rangitoto to hunt and gather the plentiful supply of resources found in the maitai catchment from the estuary itself, the channels and wetlands at the mouth of the Maitai and the adjacent forests. Traditionally, extensive tracts of harekeke were present along the flats and hills of the Maitai. The wetter areas were also associated with kahikatea and raupo. These rich ecosystems provided habitats for many different bird, plant and fish species. Podocarp forest stands extended from near the river mouth upstream to Branford and Hanby Parks. This forested area provided nga iwi with tall trees for Te Tau Ihu Statutory Acknowledgements Page 61 of 163