REPORT: Providing the voice for kanakana

Drabble. A. 2024. Providing the voice for kanakana, assisting with storytelling, and being part of the restoration journey for this taonga species. Summer Intern Report for Ngā Pae o te Māramatanga and New Zealand’s Biological Heritage National Science Challenge.

Executive Summary: In 2023, Ariana Drabble received a summer internship funded jointly by Ngā Pae o te Māramatanga and New Zealand's Biological Heritage Science Challenge - Ngā Koiora Tuku Iho. She worked within the Freshwater for our Taonga research team, supervised by Dr Jane Kitson and Riki Parata, and alongside the Hokonui Rūnanga Kaupapa Taiao team and researchers from the University of Canterbury Freshwater Ecology Research Group. In this report, Arina provides a synthesis of her research experience working with kanakana during that period. She shares valuable insights and knowledge based on ongoing efforts by Hokonui Rūnanga and freshwater researchers, including Jane Kitson, to ensure there is a sustainable, healthy and abundant kanakana fishery that provides for the customary fishing needs of the community. A central aim of Ariana’s work was to develop a narrative from the kanakana's perspective to educate people about this taonga species. This narrative serves as a tool to support restoration efforts by raising awareness of the decline of kanakana and the challenges in returning them to New Zealand rivers, especially the Mataura River.