Whenua
Whenua is central to much Māori GIS work. Mapping whenua carries cultural, legal, historical, and relational meaning. It is not only a technical exercise.
Common whenua datasets
Typical datasets include:
- Rohe or area of interest boundaries
- Land parcels and titles
- Māori land blocks
- Custom planning or engagement boundaries
- Overlays such as zoning or designations
These often come from different sources and may not align perfectly.
Understanding boundaries
Not all boundaries represent the same thing.
Some boundaries are:
- Legal and surveyed
- Administrative and indicative
- Cultural or historical
- Created for a specific kaupapa
Always be clear about what a boundary represents and what it does not.
Suggested basic schema for whenua layers
A practical attribute structure may include:
- Name or identifier
- Boundary type
- Source
- Date created or reviewed
- Notes on use or limitations
Clarity is more important than complex schemas.
Sensitivity and permissions
Some whenua information may be sensitive, disputed, or context specific.
GIS makes copying and sharing easy. This increases responsibility.
Mapping whenua does not remove obligations around mana, tikanga, or trust. Confirm expectations before sharing.
Practical uses
Whenua mapping is commonly used to:
- Support governance and planning
- Visualise land interests
- Overlay projects or assets
- Support kōrero with partners or agencies
- Provide context for reports or submissions
Maps should support understanding, not replace discussion.
Useful sources
Common public sources include:
- LINZ Data Service
- Council open data portals
- Māori Land Court datasets
Always review licence and use conditions.