Date: |
20 Oct 2026, 12.00PM – 1.00PM |
duration: |
1 hr |
Location: |
Online |
Cost: |
Free event |
Historically, toheroa supported highly exploitative commercial and recreational fisheries. These pressures, alongside the degradation and modification of the coastal ecosystems on which toheroa depend, have contributed to significant declines in populations across Aotearoa. Today, there is no recreational or commercial fishing of toheroa, and remaining populations are generally able to sustain only very limited customary take.
This webinar will explore the significance of toheroa as a taonga species and the enduring relationship between toheroa, iwi, hapū, and whānau. It will consider why placing Mātauranga Māori at the heart of restoration and management is essential to supporting the recovery of toheroa populations and the wider coastal ecosystems they inhabit.
The discussion will also reflect on the lessons held within our past. By examining how and why decisions about the management and use of toheroa were made historically, we can better understand the impacts of those decisions and consider how this knowledge can inform more appropriate and enduring approaches today. Bringing together mātauranga Māori, lived experience, historical knowledge, and western science provides an opportunity to strengthen restoration approaches while upholding the principles of kaitiakitanga and the responsibilities we hold to future generations.
Presenter Bios:
Tessa Thomson (Ngāti Tūkorehe, Ngāti Raukawa ki te Tonga) is a Māori Environmental Researcher working in marine ecology and fisheries. Her work aims to bridge mātauranga Māori and western science to restore taonga species and coastal ecosystems. Her master’s research at Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington examined the disappearance of toheroa from the Horowhenua coastline, documenting the species' cultural significance to mana whenua while investigating the ecological drivers behind its decline. Her work within Earth Science New Zealand's Te Kūwaha Māori Environmental Research team involves working alongside iwi and communities to advance marine ecology, fisheries research and climate resilience for taonga species.
Estelle Pura Pera-Leask Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) is a prominent New Zealand conservationist and environmental advisor of Ngāi Tahu, Whakatōhea, and Ngāti Ruanui descent. Deeply rooted in Bluff (Murihiku Southland), her work centers on kaitiakitanga, habitat restoration, and ensuring Māori voices and expertise guide restoration efforts.
She serves as the Environmental Manager (Tumu Kaupapa Atawhai ki Murihiku) advising the Department of Conservation (DOC) in Murihiku and has committed 20 years to community-led conservation, notably serving as the longtime chairperson of the Bluff Hill Motupōhue Environment Trust (BHMET).
In recognition of her extensive dedication, she was appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) for her services to conservation and Māori.
The toheroa (Paphies ventricosa) is a taonga species of deep cultural, ecological, and historical significance to many iwi, hapū, and whānau across Aotearoa. For generations, toheroa have been an important source of kai and a species closely connected to customary practices, mātauranga, whakapapa, and the relationship between mana whenua and the coastal environment.
Historically, toheroa supported highly exploitative commercial and recreational fisheries. These pressures, alongside the degradation and modification of the coastal ecosystems on which toheroa depend, have contributed to significant declines in populations across Aotearoa. Today, there is no recreational or commercial fishing of toheroa, and remaining populations are generally able to sustain only very limited customary take.
This webinar will explore the significance of toheroa as a taonga species and the enduring relationship between toheroa, iwi, hapū, and whānau. It will consider why placing Mātauranga Māori at the heart of restoration and management is essential to supporting the recovery of toheroa populations and the wider coastal ecosystems they inhabit.
The discussion will also reflect on the lessons held within our past. By examining how and why decisions about the management and use of toheroa were made historically, we can better understand the impacts of those decisions and consider how this knowledge can inform more appropriate and enduring approaches today. Bringing together mātauranga Māori, lived experience, historical knowledge, and western science provides an opportunity to strengthen restoration approaches while upholding the principles of kaitiakitanga and the responsibilities we hold to future generations.
Presenter Bios:
Tessa Thomson (Ngāti Tūkorehe, Ngāti Raukawa ki te Tonga) is a Māori Environmental Researcher working in marine ecology and fisheries. Her work aims to bridge mātauranga Māori and western science to restore taonga species and coastal ecosystems. Her master’s research at Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington examined the disappearance of toheroa from the Horowhenua coastline, documenting the species' cultural significance to mana whenua while investigating the ecological drivers behind its decline. Her work within Earth Science New Zealand's Te Kūwaha Māori Environmental Research team involves working alongside iwi and communities to advance marine ecology, fisheries research and climate resilience for taonga species.
Estelle Pura Pera-Leask Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) is a prominent New Zealand conservationist and environmental advisor of Ngāi Tahu, Whakatōhea, and Ngāti Ruanui descent. Deeply rooted in Bluff (Murihiku Southland), her work centers on kaitiakitanga, habitat restoration, and ensuring Māori voices and expertise guide restoration efforts.
She serves as the Environmental Manager (Tumu Kaupapa Atawhai ki Murihiku) advising the Department of Conservation (DOC) in Murihiku and has committed 20 years to community-led conservation, notably serving as the longtime chairperson of the Bluff Hill Motupōhue Environment Trust (BHMET).
In recognition of her extensive dedication, she was appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) for her services to conservation and Māori.
