DRAFT IN PROGRESS

Episode Structure

The Return of the Local Dinosaur: Kanakana (Piharau) and Cultural Revival

Follow the groundbreaking efforts to restore New Zealand's native lamprey populations through captive breeding and community partnerships. This episode explores how traditional knowledge and modern science are combining to bring kanakana (piharau) back to waterways where they once thrived.

Note 1: Sections marked as [To be filled] will be completed once more specific information about the breeding programme, research findings, and partnership details are available.

Note 2: Contributing experts and people interviewed are subject to change

Note 3: Contributing experts and people interviewed are subject to change

Potential Contributing Experts:

• Jane Kitson - Researcher, company director (Kitson Consulting Ltd)

• Riki Parata - Hokonui Rūnanga, Kanakana (piharau) breeding programme coordinator

• Jim Geddes - Māruwai Centre

• Kristie Parata - Te Atiawa ki Kāpiti

• Kara Kearney - Te Atiawa ki Kāpiti

• Liam McAuliffe - Te Atiawa ki Kāpiti

• Mohi Edwin - Te Atiawa ki Kāpiti

• Koko Tutere - Elder, traditional knowledge holder

• Nanny Rangi - Elder [TBC for whakatau]

• Aaron - Traditional knowledge holder (cultural memories)

• Uncle Steve - Cultural knowledge and traditional practices

• Nanny Rita Eruini - Traditional harvester (historical context - passed away)

• Descendants of Nanny Rita Eruini - [To be invited to hui]

• Local Southland elders [TBD] - Traditional knowledge about kanakana (piharau) migration

• Darren Davis - Taranaki harvesting experiences [TBC - subject to Iwi connections]

• Tawhirikura whānau representatives - Traditional knowledge specialists [TBC - subject to Iwi connections]

References:

[To be added based on available research]

Introduction

Journey & Context

Jamie's Departure and Travel to Location

• Jamie filmed "at home": Before starting his journey

• Travel reflection: Jamie traveling to the Kāpiti Coast while reflecting on what he expects to discover about this ancient species restoration effort

• Journey anticipation: "I'm heading to the Kāpiti Coast to meet people who are working to bring back one of our most ancient freshwater species - a living dinosaur that has survived for millions of years"

Jamie's Arrival - Meeting People Where Their Stories Begin

• Arrival at Whakaronotai Marae: Jamie's formal but informal welcome (whakatau)

• Cultural protocols: Traditional welcome and introduction to the community

• Community gathering: Kristie Parata, Mohi Edwin, Nanny Rangi, Kara, and Aaron present for the whakatau

Personal Welcome and Introductions

• Meeting Kristie Parata: Introduction to Te Atiawa ki Kāpiti leadership and vision

• Meeting Mohi Edwin: The passionate advocate for kanakana (piharau) restoration

• Meeting Koko Tutere: Elder with traditional knowledge and childhood memories of eating kanakana (piharau)

Setting Up the Journey (Physical and Emotional)

• Physical journey: From Kāpiti Coast traditional knowledge and harvesting sites, then flight south to Hokonui breeding innovation

• Emotional journey: Understanding how restoring ancient species connects to cultural identity and future generations

• Learning journey: Mohi's perspective as someone "very new to kanakana (piharau)" but committed to learning and sharing with tamariki/mokopuna

• Historical journey: Following the path from past abundance to current restoration efforts

Elder Voices Establishing Deeper Wisdom

• Opening with whakataukī: "Puanga ki runga, Piharau ki raro" (star above, lamprey below) - connection between celestial cycles and aquatic life cycles

• Koko Tutere's voice: Traditional knowledge about kanakana (piharau) from his youth

• Historical context: Stories of Nanny Rita Eruini's harvesting work and traditional practices (through descendants and those who knew her mahi)

Cultural Significance Through Pūrākau or Traditional Knowledge

• Ancient survival: Understanding kanakana (piharau) as living dinosaurs that have survived for millions of years

• Cultural calendar: How traditional communities organized around kanakana (piharau) timing

• The Ocean Connection: How kanakana (piharau) mix in the ocean regardless of their river of origin, making nationwide repopulation possible from any breeding source

Act 1

Memory & Connection (The Human Story)

Personal Stories and Lived Experiences with the Species

• Koko Tutere's memories: Childhood experiences eating kanakana (piharau) from local awa "in his youth"

• Aaron's cultural memories: Stories of kanakana (piharau)'s cultural prominence in daily life with grandparents

• Mohi's learning journey: Personal perspective as someone new to kanakana (piharau) but passionate about restoration

• Historical connections: Stories of Nanny Rita Eruini's harvesting work passed down through community memory

Traditional Practices and Knowledge from Kaumātua

• Koko Tutere's traditional knowledge: Direct experience from his youth eating kanakana (piharau) from Te Atiawa waters

• Nanny Rita Eruini's legacy: Traditional harvesting practices preserved in community memory

• Uncle Steve's knowledge: Cultural knowledge and traditional practices passed down through family

• Seasonal knowledge: Understanding kanakana (piharau) timing through environmental signs

Pūrākau and Mātauranga Māori Connecting People to Species Across Generations

• Living dinosaur stories: Traditional understanding of kanakana (piharau) as ancient survivors

• Cultural teachings: How kanakana (piharau) behavior and lifecycle connect to cultural values

• Ancestral connections: Understanding kanakana (piharau) as taonga and cultural treasure

• Sacred relationships: The spiritual dimensions of human-kanakana (piharau) connections

Intergenerational Memories and What Has Changed

• Koko Tutere's perspective: How kanakana (piharau) presence has changed since his youth

• Environmental changes: Impacts on kanakana (piharau) populations and habitat

• Knowledge continuity: What traditional knowledge remains relevant today

• Knowledge gaps: Recognizing what has been lost and needs to be rediscovered

Younger Generations Creating New Connections and Taking Action

• Mohi's leadership: Contemporary engagement in kanakana (piharau) restoration despite being "very new" to the species

• Kristie's coordination: Leading current restoration efforts and community engagement

• Learning approach: Focus on tamariki/mokopuna and future generations

• New methods: Modern approaches guided by available traditional knowledge

Initial Glimpses of Dreams and Visions for the Future

• Restoration dreams: Vision of kanakana (piharau) returning to "abundant harvestable numbers"

• Cultural revival: Hopes for traditional knowledge continuation and expansion

• Community engagement: Dreams of tamariki/mokopuna connected to their ancestral species

• Knowledge building: Mohi's iwi panui seeking more local historical knowledge about kanakana (piharau) harvesting

Community Relationships That Enable Connection

• Iwi networks: Te Atiawa ki Kāpiti relationships supporting knowledge gathering

• Marae connections: Whakaronotai Marae as central gathering place

• Family knowledge: Connections to descendants of traditional practitioners like Nanny Rita Eruini

• Regional partnerships: Potential connections to Taranaki iwi for knowledge sharing

Confirming Present Connection

• Traditional kanakana (piharau) waters: Visiting Te Atiawa ki Kāpiti waterways where Koko Tutere knew kanakana (piharau) in his youth

• Reading the water: Koko Tutere and elders identifying traditional kanakana (piharau) locations

• Water sampling: Brief collection for eDNA testing to confirm species presence

• Confirmed hope: Water testing confirms small populations exist in Kāpiti waters, giving hope for restoration

Act 2

Discovery & Experience (Being Present)

The Journey to Reach Meaningful Places (Physical/Spiritual)

• Flight south: Traveling to Southland to witness the breeding programme innovations

• Hokonui Rūnanga facilities: Arriving at the pioneering breeding programme site

• Paper mill approach: Journey through old industrial infrastructure to reach collection site

• Historical pathway: Understanding the route kanakana (piharau) once took naturally

Hands-on Moments with the Species or Waterway

• Breeding programme exploration: Behind-the-scenes look at captive kanakana (piharau) and breeding tanks

• Meeting live kanakana (piharau): Direct observation of the ancient species in breeding facilities

• Paper mill journey and historical exploration: Nighttime walk through old industrial infrastructure to collection site, learning why kanakana (piharau) can't migrate naturally anymore

• Nighttime collection: Witnessing the annual kanakana (piharau) capture during their brief migration attempt

Learning Through Doing - Traditional Practices in Action

• Breeding programme operations: Understanding captive breeding techniques and goals

• Collection methods: Learning how kanakana (piharau) are safely captured during their migration attempt

• Historical understanding: Discovering through the paper mill journey why natural migration was disrupted

• Scientific integration: How breeding programme combines traditional knowledge with contemporary science

Sharing Knowledge Between Generations

• Riki's innovation: Breeding programme coordinator sharing scientific and cultural approaches

• Local Southland elders [TBD]: Stories about kanakana (piharau) migration and hopes for the future

• Historical storytelling: Learning about past abundance and industrial impacts during paper mill walk

• Cross-regional learning: Understanding how southern innovations could support northern restoration

The Beauty and Depth of These Connections

• Ancient survivor: Witnessing a species that has survived for millions of years

• Innovation beauty: Seeing how traditional knowledge guides modern breeding science

• Historical poignancy: Understanding what was lost through industrial development and what's being rebuilt

• Cultural continuity: How breeding programme honors traditional relationships with kanakana (piharau)

Developing Dreams and Visions for the Future

• Breeding programme potential: Understanding how captive breeding creates restoration opportunities

• Cross-regional possibilities: How southern breeding could support restoration in northern waters

• Knowledge expansion: Building understanding of kanakana (piharau) biology and behavior

• Bridge between past and future: How the breeding programme creates hope despite historical barriers

Act 3

Action & Unity (Community Solutions)

How Communities Are Embracing Change and Adapting

• Hokonui's pioneering spirit: First community to attempt kanakana (piharau) captive breeding in New Zealand

• Te Atiawa adaptation: Using modern science to validate and support traditional restoration dreams

• Innovation through adversity: Turning industrial barriers into restoration opportunities

• Community commitment: Long-term dedication to species restoration despite challenges

Multiple Approaches to Caring for Waterways

• Traditional knowledge preservation: Recording and sharing elder knowledge about historical kanakana (piharau) presence

• Captive breeding innovation: Hokonui's groundbreaking programme creating restoration opportunities

• Scientific monitoring: Water testing confirming species presence in traditional waters

• Community education: Engaging tamariki/mokopuna in species restoration across regions

Traditional and Contemporary Practices Working Together

• Cultural integration: Breeding programme combining mātauranga Māori with contemporary science

• Traditional site identification: Elder knowledge identifying where kanakana (piharau) historically existed

• Modern confirmation: Scientific methods validating traditional knowledge about species locations

• Holistic approach: Understanding restoration as both cultural and ecological healing

Community Gatherings and Shared Experiences

• Breeding programme community: Hokonui bringing together researchers, cultural practitioners, and community

• Knowledge exchange: Sharing discoveries between North and South Island communities

• Cultural celebrations: Honoring both kanakana (piharau) and the communities working to restore them

• Collaborative planning: Communities working together despite geographical distance

Building Hope Through Collective Action

• Breeding innovation: Hokonui programme demonstrating how captive breeding can support restoration

• Confirmed survival: Water testing shows kanakana (piharau) still exist in traditional waters despite low numbers

• Growing networks: Connections forming between communities committed to restoration

• Cultural revival: Traditional knowledge being documented and shared more widely

Showing How Traditions Adapt While Values Endure

• Innovation within tradition: Breeding programmes guided by traditional values of reciprocity and care

• Adaptive approaches: Communities finding new ways to honor ancient relationships

• Cultural continuity: Core values of respect for kanakana (piharau) expressed through modern restoration work

• Generational bridge: Connecting traditional knowledge with contemporary restoration science

Fuller Exploration of Dreams and Visions for the Future

• Restoration network: Vision of breeding programmes supporting restoration across multiple regions

• Cultural strength: Traditional knowledge thriving and guiding contemporary restoration efforts

• Abundant populations: Long-term goal of kanakana (piharau) returning to "abundant harvestable numbers"

• Generational continuity: Tamariki/mokopuna carrying forward both traditional knowledge and restoration innovation

Conclusion

The Journey Continues

Final Thoughts on Dreams and Visions for the Future

• Restoration possibilities: How breeding programme innovations create hope for restoration in traditional waters

• Cultural knowledge alive: Traditional understanding guiding modern restoration efforts across regions

• Intergenerational connection: Knowledge passing from Koko Tutere to Mohi to future tamariki/mokopuna

• Community networks: Growing connections between North and South Island restoration efforts

Practical Inspiration for Viewers

• Restoration participation: How communities can get involved in local kanakana (piharau) restoration

• Cultural learning: Opportunities to learn about traditional relationships with ancestral species

• Scientific engagement: How communities can participate in monitoring and breeding programmes

• Knowledge sharing: Ways to support documentation and transmission of traditional knowledge

Return to Opening Themes/Whakataukī and Pūrākau

• "Puanga ki runga, Piharau ki raro": Returning to the eternal connection between celestial and aquatic cycles

• Living dinosaur stories: Honoring kanakana (piharau) as ancient survivors and cultural treasures

• Cultural wisdom: Reinforcing traditional teachings about patience, persistence, and natural cycles

• He Manawa Kanakana: The enduring strength and determination driving restoration

Community Gathering Bringing Everyone Together (Mirroring Introduction)

• Return to Kāpiti Coast: Community gathering at Whakaronotai Marae where people learn from breeding programme discoveries

• Knowledge sharing: Team sharing breeding programme discoveries and future possibilities for Kāpiti waters

• Cultural integration: Understanding how breeding programme innovations could support restoration in traditional waters

• Collective vision: Community coming together around shared commitment to bringing kanakana (piharau) back to their waterways

• Future planning: Discussion of how breeding programme success could eventually support restoration in Kāpiti waters

Jamie's Personal Reflection on Discoveries

• Ancient wonder: Jamie's amazement at witnessing efforts to restore a living dinosaur

• Innovation appreciation: Understanding how breeding programmes turn industrial barriers into restoration opportunities

• Knowledge connection: Appreciating how traditional knowledge from Kāpiti guides breeding approaches in the south

• Hope for future: Confidence in the combination of traditional knowledge and innovative science creating restoration possibilities for Kāpiti waters

Final Wisdom from Elders or Key Voices

• Koko Tutere: Final thoughts on traditional knowledge and hopes for kanakana (piharau) return to Kāpiti waters

• Mohi Edwin: Vision for tamariki/mokopuna connecting with their ancestral species in restored waters

• Riki Parata: Wisdom about how breeding programme innovations could support restoration in traditional waters

• Local Southland elders [TBD]: Reflections on kanakana (piharau) migration stories and restoration hopes

Filming Locations Summary

Primary Locations:

Kāpiti Coast (Te Atiawa ki Kāpiti territory)

• Whakaronotai Marae (whakatau welcome, cultural protocols, final community gathering)

• Traditional kanakana (piharau) waters (site visits with elders, brief water sampling)

Southland

• Hokonui Rūnanga facilities (captive breeding programme and tanks)

• Old paper mill (nighttime journey to collection site, historical context)

• Kanakana (piharau) collection site (annual capture during migration attempt)

Filming Schedule:

• Kāpiti Coast shoots: Whakatau at Whakaronotai Marae, community interviews, traditional site visits with brief water sampling

• Flight south: Travel to Southland for breeding programme focus

• Breeding programme documentation: Hokonui facilities, tanks, breeding operations

• Nighttime collection: Annual kanakana (piharau) capture, paper mill journey, historical storytelling

• Local elder interviews [TBD]: Southland stories about kanakana (piharau) migration and restoration hopes

• Return to Kāpiti: Community gathering sharing breeding programme discoveries and future planning

Episode Balance:

• 35% Kāpiti Coast content focusing on traditional knowledge and restoration dreams

• 50% Hokonui breeding programme, nighttime collection, historical context, and local elder stories

• 15% Return to Kāpiti for community knowledge sharing and future planning