Kaitiaki: Waterway Guardians
A five-part documentary series exploring the profound relationships between people and the freshwater fishes of Aotearoa
Bridging Traditional Wisdom & Modern Science
Originating from the Fish Futures research program, Kaitiaki: Waterway Guardians showcases how traditional wisdom and modern approaches come together to shape how we care for our waterways.
Our five-part documentary series explores the often hidden waterways of Aotearoa and the profound relationships between people and the fishes who live there.
“Inspiring younger generations to carry ancestral knowledge forward while transforming these insights into compelling narratives for a broader audience.”
Our Freshwater Ambassador
Jamie McCaskill
PRESENTER
Born and raised by the ocean in Thames and now calling the coastal shores of Lyall Bay home, Jamie McCaskill (Ngāti Tamaterā) brings a unique blend of storytelling mastery and genuine curiosity to his role as presenter.
A Bruce Mason Award-winning playwright and founding member of The Māori Sidesteps, Jamie has spent over two decades crafting compelling narratives across theatre, television, and music. From his early days as a fisherman to becoming an acclaimed actor, writer, and director with critically celebrated Māori theatre company Tikapa Productions, Jamie's career has been defined by his ability to explore identity and belonging through authentic storytelling.
While his heart belongs to the saltwater world of his coastal lifestyle, Jamie's infectious curiosity and talent for asking the right questions make him the perfect guide to explore Aotearoa's freshwater taonga. His natural ability to connect with people and uncover the stories that matter will bring fresh perspective to the ancient relationships between communities and their waterways.
Featured Species & Stories
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Our Journey Through Five species
Our series explores five iconic freshwater species that tell the story of Aotearoa's changing rivers and lakes. From the ancient migrations of tuna and kanakana to the cultural significance of kōura, the threatened status of whitebait, and the complex legacy of introduced trout, each episode weaves together traditional knowledge and modern science. Through the eyes of kaitiaki, scientists, and community members, we reveal the deep connections between these creatures, our people, and the health of our precious aquatic ecosystems.
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River to Trench: Protecting the Path of Tuna
Following the extraordinary migration of longfin eels and those working to protect their ancient pathways.
• From stories to community tracking migrations
• Historical culling campaigns and modern barriers
• Community-led conservation work
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Kōura: Pincers of the Past and Future
Exploring freshwater crayfish that have been environmental guardians for generations.
• Traditional harvesting methods like rama kōura
• Impact of invasive catfish on populations
• Rangatahi-led initiatives like "Catfish Killas"
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Tiny Fish, Big Effort: Saving Our Whitebait
Uncovering the juvenile galaxiid fish species, now a threatened delicacy requiring action to restore their spawning grounds.
• Traditional migration knowledge and methods
• Spawning habitat loss and management challenges
• Habitat restoration and sustainable harvest
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Living Fossils: The 300-Million-Year Story of Kanakana
Revealing the remarkable pouched lamprey that has survived virtually unchanged for over 300 million years.
• Searching for an ancient, jawless living fossil
• Impacts of river modifications on harvesting
• Traditional knowledge in modern conservation
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Shared waters: Trout impacts and conservation challenges
Examining a complex legacy, balancing recreational significance against ecological impacts on native species.
• River exploration with fishing guides
• Native fish fragmentation
• Balancing conservation with cultural values
Episode Structure
Our Commitment
Promote mātauranga Māori, support sustainable practices, celebrate community achievements, and provide educational resources to encourage sharing knowledge between generations.
1.
Discovery & Connection
Introducing each species through those who know it best, revealing their unique characteristics and cultural significance.
2.
Challenge & Change
Exploring the threats facing these species and the resulting impact on traditional food gathering practices and cultural connections.
3.
Innovation & Hope
Showcasing passionate individuals and community-led initiatives, inspiring audiences with practical conservation solutions.
Production Approach
Integration of archival footage
Community-led storytelling
Presentation in both te reo Māori and English
High-quality cinematography
Consistent branding and style
Target Audience
Primary
Māori communities, particularly those connected to or interested in freshwater species and engaging in mahinga kai practice
Secondary
Conservation-minded New Zealanders, educators, and students
Tertiary
International audiences interested in Indigenous knowledge and conservation
Production Timeline
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March - June 2025
Gathering information, developing concepts, accessing archives, hiring presenter, and planning logistics.
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June 2025 - February 2026
Aligned with seasonal patterns of species for optimal filming conditions.
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July 2025 - May 2026
Editing, sound design, visual effects, and digital repackaging for various platforms.
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March - July 2026
Releasing episodes and executing promotional strategy to maximize engagement.
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August 2026 - August 2027
If more funding is secured: Repurposing filmed content into alternative formats to test engagement across diverse audience segments and platforms.
