“Over the years I have had a range of situations where I have developed an appreciation of Moka’s skill and expertise.
Back in 2013, Moka conducted some Google Mapping workshops for some of our people in Turanga these being the Iwi of Te Aitanga A Mahaki, Rongowhakaata, and Ngai Tamanuhiri. At these workshops, people were able to understand how they could use Google Maps to visually portray key data and information. I observed instances where our people created maps locating their Marae, land incorporation boundaries, and then inputting layers of information (including historical Maori Land Court records) about this land on to maps. Moka was a great teacher very patient and eager to share what he knew about Google Mapping.
In another situation where I was preparing a collective Iwi submission to the Minister of Energy & Resources on the Draft Block Offer 2013, I contracted Moka to prepare a GIS map which overlayed tribal boundary information, designated areas of the blocks of land where prospecting was proposed, waahi tapu, information from the Department of Conservation and key Iwi sites. This enabled Turanga Iwi to pinpoint areas that were requested to be excluded from the proposed Block Offer. It was visually compelling.
These are but a few of the experiences I have had of Moka’s work. Absolutely approachable with a passion for helping Maori and wanting to be of service I have no hesitation in providing this testimonial and wish Moka the very best in his future endeavors.”
