Leaders of Ngāti Tura – Ngāti Te Ngākau have hand-delivered DNA samples collected from various insects from their rohe to the Lincoln Molecular Lab. Once the samples are processed, they will be used to create the beginnings of a bespoke reference library that will support the iwi’s eDNA-based biomonitoring efforts.
Joe Edwards and Stevee Rauretu and Te Poari Newton from Tura Te Ngakau with samples
Project co-leads Holden Hohaia and Dr Manpreet Dhami welcomed the visitors. Iwi leader Joe Edwards spoke about the iwi’s kaitiakitanga of the ngahere (forest) through significant on-the-ground predator control and biomonitoring efforts, and how these efforts have led to the reconnection of their community with the taiao (nature). Stevee Raureti added this included the insects in their ngahere.
Following a mihi whakatau and karakia, the samples were carried to the Molecular Lab, where they were handed into the care of Alex Verry, the key technician who will generate the sequencing library from these DNA samples.