This participatory action research project focused on understanding the role that tino rangitaratanga (self-determination) and kaitiakitanga (guardianship) played in the success of the Ministry of Health-funded Ngā Puna Wai o Hokianga pilot project.
The project, involving safe drinking water for 36 marae and two communities, helped to whakakaha (strengthen) the mana of marae, and strengthen the participating communities. Through action reflection with participating hapū and members from Hauora Hokianga, a community development model was built.