--- title: Winiata Marae launches first marae-based water science lab with Downer description: Downer partners with Māori communities in NZ to blend cultural knowledge and science, offering a model for reconciliation-focused collaboration. image: https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/Downer_WaterLab%20NZ.png --- [![Indigo by AWA logo](https://www.awa.asn.au/hs-fs/hubfs/AWA-Website/Logos/Indigo_colour.png?height=24&name=Indigo_colour.png)](https://indigo.awa.asn.au/) [![Ozwater logo](https://www.awa.asn.au/hs-fs/hubfs/AWA-Website/Logos/Ozwater.png?height=24&name=Ozwater.png)](https://www.ozwater.org/) [![Careers in Water logo](https://www.awa.asn.au/hs-fs/hubfs/AWA-Website/Logos/Careers%20in%20Water_colour.png?height=24&name=Careers%20in%20Water_colour.png)](https://www.careersinwater.com.au/) [![NWW logo](https://www.awa.asn.au/hs-fs/hubfs/AWA-Website/Logos/NWW.png?height=24&name=NWW.png)](https://www.nationalwaterweek.org/) - [Join ![user icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-nav-user-icon.svg "user icon")](https://www.awa.asn.au/new-registration) - [Member Hub ![user icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-nav-locked-icon.svg "user icon")](https://memberhub.awa.asn.au) - [About us ![about us icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-nav-about-us-icon-copy.svg "about us icon")](https://www.awa.asn.au/about) - [Contact us ![contact icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-nav-contact-icon.svg "contact icon")](https://www.awa.asn.au/contact-us) [Skip to content](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/latest-news/winiata-marae-launches-first-marae-based-water-science-lab-with-downer#main-content) [![Australian Water Association | 60 Years](https://www.awa.asn.au/hs-fs/hubfs/images/logos/AWA-logo@2x.png?width=180&height=85&name=AWA-logo@2x.png "Australian Water Association | 60 Years")](https://awa.asn.au) - [ Home ](https://www.awa.asn.au) - [ Membership ](https://www.awa.asn.au/membership) Show submenu for Membership ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-plus-icon.svg) ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-minus-icon.svg) - [ Membership for me ](https://www.awa.asn.au/membership/individual) Show submenu for Membership for me ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-plus-icon.svg) ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-minus-icon.svg) --- - [ Branch committees ](https://www.awa.asn.au/local-branch) - [ Specialist Networks ](https://www.awa.asn.au/membership-specialist-water-networks) - [ Young Water Professionals ](https://www.awa.asn.au/young-water-professionals) - [ Membership for my organisation ](https://www.awa.asn.au/membership/corporate) Show submenu for Membership for my organisation ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-plus-icon.svg) ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-minus-icon.svg) --- - [ B2B ](https://www.awa.asn.au/business-connections) - [ Australian Water Directory ](https://www.awa.asn.au/digital-marketplace) - [ Careers in Water ](https://www.careersinwater.com.au) Show submenu for Careers in Water ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-plus-icon.svg) ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-minus-icon.svg) - [ Jobs Board ](https://www.careersinwater.com.au/jobs) - [ Resources ](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources) Show submenu for Resources ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-plus-icon.svg) ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-minus-icon.svg) - [ Indigo ](https://indigo.awa.asn.au/) - [ Latest Industry News ](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/latest-news) - [ Strategy 2030 ](https://www.awa.asn.au/strategy-2030) - [ Current Magazine ](https://www.awa.asn.au/member-magazine) - [ Water e-Journal ](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/water-e-journal) - [ Reconciliation Action Plan ](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/reconciliation-action-plan) - [ Future of Water Report ](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/futureofwaterreport) - [ Podcasts ](https://www.awa.asn.au/podcasts) - [ Advertising & Media ](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/media-releases) - [ Past Papers ](https://www.ozwater.org/program/past-papers) - [ Events ](https://www.awa.asn.au/upcoming-events) Show submenu for Events ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-plus-icon.svg) ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-minus-icon.svg) - [ Upcoming Events ](https://www.awa.asn.au/upcoming-events) - [ Events Calendar ](https://www.awa.asn.au/national-events-calendar) - [ Ozwater ](https://www.awa.asn.au/events/ozwater) - [ Photo Gallery ](https://www.flickr.com/photos/133291504@N03/albums) - [ Awards ](https://www.awa.asn.au/awards) Show submenu for Awards ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-plus-icon.svg) ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-minus-icon.svg) - [ Awards Overview ](https://www.awa.asn.au/awards) - [ Individual Awards ](https://www.awa.asn.au/awards-individual) - [ Chris Davis AM Fellowship ](https://www.awa.asn.au/chris-davis-am-fellowship) - [ Guy Parker Award ](https://www.awa.asn.au/guy-parker-award) - [ Organisation Awards ](https://www.awa.asn.au/awards-organisation) - [ Student Awards ](https://www.awa.asn.au/student-awards) - [ Australian Stockholm Junior Water Prize ](https://www.awa.asn.au/awards/student-awards/asjwp) - [ View Honour Roll ](https://www.awa.asn.au/awards-honour-roll) - [ Programs ](https://www.awa.asn.au/programs) Show submenu for Programs ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-plus-icon.svg) ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-minus-icon.svg) - [ International Program ](https://www.awa.asn.au/programs/international) - [ Advocacy ](https://www.awa.asn.au/advocacy) - [ Mentoring ](https://www.awa.asn.au/programs/mentoring) - [ Graduate Program - Water ](https://www.awa.asn.au/program/graduate-program-water) - [ National Water Week ](https://www.nationalwaterweek.org) - [ Circular Water Taskforce ](https://www.awa.asn.au/program/circular-water-taskforce) - [ ANZBP ](https://www.biosolids.com.au/) - [ Home ](https://www.awa.asn.au) - [ Membership ](https://www.awa.asn.au/membership) Show submenu for Membership ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-plus-icon.svg) ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-minus-icon.svg) - [ Membership for me ](https://www.awa.asn.au/membership/individual) Show submenu for Membership for me ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-plus-icon.svg) ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-minus-icon.svg) --- - [ Branch committees ](https://www.awa.asn.au/local-branch) - [ Specialist Networks ](https://www.awa.asn.au/membership-specialist-water-networks) - [ Young Water Professionals ](https://www.awa.asn.au/young-water-professionals) - [ Membership for my organisation ](https://www.awa.asn.au/membership/corporate) Show submenu for Membership for my organisation ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-plus-icon.svg) ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-minus-icon.svg) --- - [ B2B ](https://www.awa.asn.au/business-connections) - [ Australian Water Directory ](https://www.awa.asn.au/digital-marketplace) - [ Careers in Water ](https://www.careersinwater.com.au) Show submenu for Careers in Water ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-plus-icon.svg) ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-minus-icon.svg) - [ Jobs Board ](https://www.careersinwater.com.au/jobs) - [ Resources ](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources) Show submenu for Resources ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-plus-icon.svg) ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-minus-icon.svg) - [ Indigo ](https://indigo.awa.asn.au/) - [ Latest Industry News ](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/latest-news) - [ Strategy 2030 ](https://www.awa.asn.au/strategy-2030) - [ Current Magazine ](https://www.awa.asn.au/member-magazine) - [ Water e-Journal ](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/water-e-journal) - [ Reconciliation Action Plan ](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/reconciliation-action-plan) - [ Future of Water Report ](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/futureofwaterreport) - [ Podcasts ](https://www.awa.asn.au/podcasts) - [ Advertising & Media ](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/media-releases) - [ Past Papers ](https://www.ozwater.org/program/past-papers) - [ Events ](https://www.awa.asn.au/upcoming-events) Show submenu for Events ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-plus-icon.svg) ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-minus-icon.svg) - [ Upcoming Events ](https://www.awa.asn.au/upcoming-events) - [ Events Calendar ](https://www.awa.asn.au/national-events-calendar) - [ Ozwater ](https://www.awa.asn.au/events/ozwater) - [ Photo Gallery ](https://www.flickr.com/photos/133291504@N03/albums) - [ Awards ](https://www.awa.asn.au/awards) Show submenu for Awards ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-plus-icon.svg) ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-minus-icon.svg) - [ Awards Overview ](https://www.awa.asn.au/awards) - [ Individual Awards ](https://www.awa.asn.au/awards-individual) - [ Chris Davis AM Fellowship ](https://www.awa.asn.au/chris-davis-am-fellowship) - [ Guy Parker Award ](https://www.awa.asn.au/guy-parker-award) - [ Organisation Awards ](https://www.awa.asn.au/awards-organisation) - [ Student Awards ](https://www.awa.asn.au/student-awards) - [ Australian Stockholm Junior Water Prize ](https://www.awa.asn.au/awards/student-awards/asjwp) - [ View Honour Roll ](https://www.awa.asn.au/awards-honour-roll) - [ Programs ](https://www.awa.asn.au/programs) Show submenu for Programs ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-plus-icon.svg) ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-minus-icon.svg) - [ International Program ](https://www.awa.asn.au/programs/international) - [ Advocacy ](https://www.awa.asn.au/advocacy) - [ Mentoring ](https://www.awa.asn.au/programs/mentoring) - [ Graduate Program - Water ](https://www.awa.asn.au/program/graduate-program-water) - [ National Water Week ](https://www.nationalwaterweek.org) - [ Circular Water Taskforce ](https://www.awa.asn.au/program/circular-water-taskforce) - [ ANZBP ](https://www.biosolids.com.au/) ![](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/icon-nav-hamburger.svg) ![](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/icon-nav-close.svg) [Resources ](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources) > [Latest News ](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/latest-news) > Winiata marae launches first marae based water science lab with downer # Winiata Marae launches first marae-based water science lab with Downer Jul 10, 2025 | 2 mins read ![User Icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/icon-user.svg "User Icon") by Water Source ![Indigenous water lab in New Zealand](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/Downer_WaterLab%20NZ.png "Indigenous water lab in New Zealand") As Australia continues its journey towards reconciliation, we can look to Aotearoa New Zealand for practical inspiration, particularly in how organisations like Downer are partnering with Māori communities to support shared goals. Read on below to learn about a powerful collaboration blending cultural knowledge and science to empower youth and protect local waterways for generations to come.  In the rural heart of Taihape, a powerful collaboration has taken shape, one that blends Mātauranga Māori (Māori knowledge) with Western science to empower local rangatahi (youth) and protect the awa (rivers) for generations to come. Winiata Marae, in partnership with Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Hinemanu and Ngāti Paki, Waipapa Taumata Rau (University of Auckland), and Downer, has officially opened Ki Tua – the country’s first marae-based water science laboratory.  Named at the Friday, May 16 dawn ceremony, Ki Tua means looking ahead, a fitting symbol for a kaupapa (principal) that’s rooted in cultural identity, environmental stewardship, and future-focused learning.  The newly installed lab, housed in a 60-square-metre portacom building gifted and transported to site by Downer’s Infrastructure delivery and cranes team – will be a learning hub for mana whenua (local Māori), local Kaiako (teachers), and rangatahi (youth). It’s a space where ancestral knowledge and scientific practice meet to better understand and care for the Mangaone, Hautapu and Rangitīkei rivers.  Downer is proud to have played a part in making this vision a reality. “Seeing the Downer New Zealand tohu alongside the University’s logo on the lab is a proud reminder of what’s possible when iwi, academia and industry work together,” says Craig West, Downer Country Lead. “This is what meaningful partnerships looks like, sharing knowledge, empowering future kaitiaki (guardian’s), and delivering outcomes that matter for the whenua (land) and the community.”  Visitors to the opening event had the chance to witness the lab in action, with e-coli water testing demonstrations led by University of Auckland staff and students, using water samples brought by guests from the surrounding rohe (region).  The project was made possible with support from the Ministry for the Environment, Horizons Regional Council, Rangitīkei District Council, local schools and water advocacy groups, and through funding from MBIE’s Unlocking Curious Minds initiative.  Associate Professor Doug Wilson, from the Faculty of Engineering and Design, says the lab is a shining example of Kotahitanga (unity) in practice. “Our unique partnership with Winiata Marae and Downer is helping to provide water testing equipment, STEM education, and training that we hope will continue for years to come. Ki Tua (Looking Ahead) is where Mātauranga Māori (Māori Knowledge) meets Western science – and it’s all about working together to protect the livelihood of this region.”  This mahi (Work) represents more than just a facility, it’s a legacy project made possible by deep collaboration, shared vision, and enduring relationships. Downer is proud to support initiatives that honour the environment, uplift communities, and build capability in partnership with iwi.  *This article was first published by Downer. You can find the original [here](https://www.downergroup.com/winiata-marae-launches-first-marae-based-wate).* [ Reconciliation ](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/latest-news/tag/reconciliation) [ Downer ](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/latest-news/tag/downer) [ New Zealand (NZ) ](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/latest-news/tag/new-zealand-nz) [ Partnership ](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/latest-news/tag/partnership) [ Indigenous communities ](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/latest-news/tag/indigenous-communities) Share [![email icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/icon-dark-sandstone-email.svg "email icon") ](mailto:?subject=Winiata%20Marae%20launches%20first%20marae-based%20water%20science%20lab%20with%20Downer&body=Check%20out%20https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/latest-news/winiata-marae-launches-first-marae-based-water-science-lab-with-downer) [![facebook-icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/icon-dark-sandstone-facebook.svg "facebook icon") ](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/latest-news/winiata-marae-launches-first-marae-based-water-science-lab-with-downer) [![LinkedIn icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/icon-dark-sandstone-linkedin.svg "LinkedIn icon") ](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/latest-news/winiata-marae-launches-first-marae-based-water-science-lab-with-downer) [![Twitter icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/icon-dark-sandstone-twitter.svg "Twitter icon") ](https://twitter.com/home?status=https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/latest-news/winiata-marae-launches-first-marae-based-water-science-lab-with-downer) ## RELATED NEWS [![](https://www.awa.asn.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Membrane%20Bioreactors%20Hubspot-1.jpg?width=352&name=Membrane%20Bioreactors%20Hubspot-1.jpg) ](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/latest-news/podcast-accelerating-action-episode-4) ### [ Podcast – Membrane Bioreactors with Mark Newland ](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/latest-news/podcast-accelerating-action-episode-4) James Greene In the latest episode of the Accelerating Action podcast, Mark Newland, Technical Director for Water at Downer sits down with host… [ Read Full Paper ](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/latest-news/podcast-accelerating-action-episode-4) [![](https://www.awa.asn.au/hs-fs/hubfs/biochar.jpg?width=352&name=biochar.jpg) ](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/latest-news/podcast-accelerating-action-episode-2) ### [ Podcast – Biosolids gasification. A deep dive into an Australian first initiative with Rob Martinovic of Downer ](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/latest-news/podcast-accelerating-action-episode-2) James Greene In the latest episode of the Accelerating Action podcast, Rob Martinovic (Technology Director, Gasification, Downer) sits down with… [ Read Full Paper ](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/latest-news/podcast-accelerating-action-episode-2) [![](https://www.awa.asn.au/hs-fs/hubfs/First%20Nations%20Workshops.jpg?width=352&name=First%20Nations%20Workshops.jpg) ](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/latest-news/podcast-accelerating-action-episode-1) ### [ Podcast – The path to true reconciliation with Rhys Collins of Melbourne Water ](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/latest-news/podcast-accelerating-action-episode-1) James Greene In the inaugural episode of the Accelerating Action podcast, Rhys Collins, Traditional Owner Relationships Manager with Melbourne… [ Read Full Paper ](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/latest-news/podcast-accelerating-action-episode-1) Advertising --- ### Subscribe to our newsletters Sign up to get the latest news and insights from us Advertising --- ![white arrow pointing upwards](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-white-arrow-up.svg) Top [![Footer-logo-02](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/Footer-logo-02.svg) ](https://www.awa.asn.au/) The **Australian Water Association** acknowledges the Traditional Custodians across Australia, where we live, work and play, for their deep connection to our precious waters and land. We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and the ancestors who have cared, protected and nurtured Country for many thousands of years.   Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that this website may contain images, voices, and names of people who have passed away. Please [let us know ](mailto:membership@awa.asn.au)if anything on the site causes distress. - [About us](https://www.awa.asn.au/about) - [International](https://www.awa.asn.au/programs/international) - [Principal Members](https://www.awa.asn.au/membership) - [Resources](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources) - [Jobs Board](https://www.careersinwater.com.au/jobs) Branches [ ACT ](https://awa-asn-14568786-hs-sites-com.sandbox.hs-sites.com/local-branch/act) [ NSW ](https://awa-asn-14568786-hs-sites-com.sandbox.hs-sites.com/local-branch/nsw) [ NT ](https://awa-asn-14568786-hs-sites-com.sandbox.hs-sites.com/local-branch/nt) [ QLD ](https://awa-asn-14568786-hs-sites-com.sandbox.hs-sites.com/local-branch/qld) [ SA ](https://awa-asn-14568786-hs-sites-com.sandbox.hs-sites.com/local-branch/sa) [ TAS ](https://awa-asn-14568786-hs-sites-com.sandbox.hs-sites.com/local-branch/tas) [ VIC ](https://awa-asn-14568786-hs-sites-com.sandbox.hs-sites.com/local-branch/vic) [ WA ](https://awa-asn-14568786-hs-sites-com.sandbox.hs-sites.com/local-branch/wa) [ IWAA ](https://awa-asn-14568786-hs-sites-com.sandbox.hs-sites.com/local-branch/iwaa) Subscribe to our newsletter Follow us [![nav-icon-facebook](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/nav-icon-facebook.svg) ](https://www.facebook.com/australianwater) [![nav-icon-instagram](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/nav-icon-instagram.svg) ](https://www.instagram.com/australianwaterassociation/) [![nav-icon-youtube](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/nav-icon-youtube.svg) ](https://www.youtube.com/c/australianwaterTV) [![nav-icon-twitter](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/nav-icon-twitter.svg) ](https://twitter.com/AustralianWater) [![nav-icon-linkedin](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/nav-icon-linkedin.svg) ](https://au.linkedin.com/company/australian-water-association) [![nav-icon-flickr](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/nav-icon-flickr.svg) ](https://www.flickr.com/photos/133291504@N03/albums) Australian Water Association PO Box 841, Chatswood NSW 2057 Phone [ + 61 2 9436 0055 ](tel:+%2061%202%209436%200055) ABN: 78 096 035 773 [ Contact us ](https://www.awa.asn.au/contact-us) Copyright 2025 - Australian Water Association - [ Terms of Use ](https://www.awa.asn.au/terms-of-use) | [ Privacy ](https://www.awa.asn.au/privacy-policy) | Sitemap