Articulating the collective values of iwi and hapu, then finding a way to apply those to managing and restoring the lakes is a big ask - but Elva Conroy says the results are starting to speak for themselves.
Ms Conroy held the pen and supported engagement of this significant project which looked at creating a framework to ensure the cultural values of Te Arawa are reflected across all the work of the Te Arawa Lakes Trust and the Lakes progamme partners.
After a lengthy consultation period, including hui around various marae and an online survey for whanau who couldn't attend hui, Ms Conroy developed Te Tuapapa o ngawai o Te Arawa - Te Arawa Cultural Values Framework.
Now, after a settling in period, the framework has become the foundation to ensure Te Arawa lakes are managed and restored with a "cultural lens", alongside science and technology.
She said seeing it in action showed just how important the "incredible framework" was.