A handful of leading Kiwi scientists and Wairarapa iwi representatives yesterday completed a three-day workshop at Kohunui Marae at Pirinoa that laid bare some of the geological and environmental histories of the region.
Co-ordinator Dr Chris Hollis, of GNS Science, said the hands-on workshop was an initiative involving Ngati Kahungunu Iwi Incorporated in Hawke's Bay, Kahungunu ki Wairarapa and GNS Science.
"It follows similar marae-based learning events staged in Hawke's Bay in the past two years and will explore the connections between earth science and matauranga a iwi (traditional knowledge)."
Dr Hollis said eight GNS Science researchers would share "insights on their specialist areas" and discussion topics would include geological resources, sea-level and climate change, earthquakes, and the evolution of the Wairarapa landscape.
A mix of field trips and marae-based activities, Dr Hollis said, would "see iwi participants and scientists establish a deeper understanding of the issues that are important to iwi development and environmental sustainability, particularly in Wairarapa".