By In a significant move to protect public health, scientists are collaborating closely with local iwi and communities across New Zealand. This partnership aims to address the risks associated with contaminated water sources. By combining traditional knowledge with scientific expertise, the initiative seeks to ensure safe and clean water for all.
Building Trust Through Partnership
Establishing a strong, trusting relationship is crucial for the success of these collaborative efforts. Te Niwha mana whakahaere Te Pora Thompson emphasizes the importance of mutual respect and partnership.
“It requires a trusting relationship, that the scientists aren’t just gonna come in and take what they need and go away – but that comes in partnership with our people,” Thompson explains. This approach ensures that scientific endeavors are aligned with the community’s needs and values.
Empowering Local Communities with Knowledge
The ‘Burden of Waterborne Diseases’ project is a key initiative in this collaboration, led by Associate Professor Tim Chambers and Connor Redmile of Ngāi Tahu. This project focuses on training local marae representatives to conduct their own water tests, fostering self-sufficiency.
- Training Programs: Educating communities on water testing techniques.
- Local Testing: Empowering marae to regularly assess their water quality.
- Awareness Campaigns: Informing residents about potential waterborne pathogens.
“We’ve been to the Ngai Tahu marae in our takiwā and [are] training people up and completing drinking water tests, so they’ve got that power to do that themselves in the future,” Redmile states. This hands-on approach not only addresses immediate concerns but also builds long-term resilience against water contamination.
Advanced Technologies for Water Safety
Utilizing the latest metagenomic technology, scientists are able to identify acute gastrointestinal disease (AGI) microbes in drinking water with greater accuracy. This cutting-edge method enhances the detection of pathogens that pose significant health risks.
| Technology | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Metagenomic Sequencing | Identifying a wide range of microbial species |
| Ice-Penetrating Radar | Mapping ice thickness and potential water sources |
| Thermal Sensors | Detecting geothermal activity in water sources |
Chambers highlights the importance of this technology, noting that previous estimates of AGI impacts were made nearly two decades ago. “Information from the project will provide insights into both the risk and best interventions to ensure all New Zealanders have access to clean drinking water,” he says.
Preserving Traditional Resources and Health
The collaboration also addresses the cultural significance of water sources. Thompson shares concerns about the decline of local pātaka kai, or food stores, which were once abundant in clean waterways.
“This is a really clear example of the state of our water. We used to be able to jump off this bridge, come here as children, swim, play. But it’s a far cry from where it once was,” she remarks. The deterioration of these natural resources not only affects health but also the cultural heritage of the communities.
Practical steps recommended by Redmile include:
- Flushing Taps: Running water for one to two minutes each morning.
- Boiling Water: Ensuring water reaches a rolling boil to kill pathogens.
These measures are simple yet effective ways to safeguard against water contamination, especially in areas where rainwater supplies are still in use.