Abstract
Moohiotanga Tuku Iho, contemporary maatauranga and western science were used to classify the mauri (life force) of wai (water) in Matahuru Awa (river) in North Waikato. Moohiotanga Tuku Iho is tuupuna (ancestral) knowledge passed down through generations and together with local classifications were the guiding principles for using attributes of Taaonga Tuku Iho (treasures inherited) as parameters to classify the mauri of wai. Taaonga Tuku Iho in the taiao (environment) whakapapa (genealogy) to Papatu‐aa‐nuku (earth mother) and Ranginui‐aa‐tea (sky father), and subordinate atua (gods) ensured the continued existence of taaonga would maintain the mauri of wai in awa. Models in the literature were used to explore the advantages re‐establishing ngaahere (forest) where they have been removed for manu (birds) to nest and breed for example, advantages that would not only enhance the mauri of the wai in Matahuru Awa, it would restore the mana (respect) of the hapuu (sub tribe).