This project sought to identify and assess the damage done to Papatūānuku (Mother Earth) by chemical contamination from road construction in the Auckland metropolitan area, and to consider ways in which she may be healed. The research team built collaborations between Ngāti Whātua, Manaaki Whenua and key stakeholder organisations such as Transit New Zealand to help identify the major environmental issues for Ngāti Whātua regarding chemical contamination from roads and to reach a consensus on appropriate methods for measuring the state of the environment. 

Outputs
Reports
•    Ataria, J.; Adams, J.; Kapea, W.; O'Halloran, K.; Harmsworth, G. 2008.  Ko te Huarahi ki Mua: Roads for Change. Landcare Research Report to Ngā Pae o Māramatanga.
•    Ataria J. 2005. Conference report to Ngā Pae o Māramatanga. Canadian Aboriginal Science & Technology Society Conference 2005. Membertou Conference Centre, Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada. September 22–24 September 2005

Conference paper
•    Adams, J.; Ataria J. 2005. Ko te Huarahi ki Mua: A Biophysical and Cultural Examination of Motorway Impacts. Canadian Aboriginal Scientists & Technologists Society, Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada. September 22nd – 24th.

Presentations
•    Ataria, J. 2005. Māori and the Environment: Our World View, and Case Studies. Guest Lecture in Principles of Fish & Wildlife Management Post Graduate Course. Guelph University, Ontario, Canada. September 25th.
•    Ataria, J. 2006. Guest Lecturer for Concepts and Principles of Environmental Science (ENV410), Canterbury University Post-Graduate Course.  Māori and the Environment: Traditional concepts and principles and contemporary research examples. University of Canterbury.
•    Ataria, J. 2005. Ko te Huarahi ki Mua: A Biophysical and Cultural Examination of Motorway Impacts and An update of Biophysical Results. Presentation to Awataha Marae Governing Board (8th February, 27th October).
  
Hui
•    November 2003: At the Urban Development and Roading Hui at Manaaki Whenua (Mt Albert) support of the project concept and a blessing to continue with the work was given by kaumātua from Ngāti Whātua ki Orakei.
•    March 2004: A Hui held with Bill Kapea, (Te Hao o Ngāti Whātua) where potential Study Sites and Cultural Indicators of Environmental Health were discussed.
•    May 2004: An information day was held with Antoine Coffin, Manager of the Iwi Relations Unit, Auckland Regional Council (ARC) to discuss Iwi Dynamics in the Auckland Region and assist in the process of contacting the appropriate people who are involved in contamination issues, or who may be interested in being a part of this project.  Accessing the ARC’s Culturally Significant Archaeological Sites database was discussed with Ian Lawlor, Senior Archaeologist of Historic Heritage.
•    June 2004: The project leader met with Rāwhiti Moses (Tangata Whenua Liaison, Transit New Zealand) to discuss Transit’s requirements for Conducting Research Alongside Roads, Potential Study Sites in the Auckland Region.
•    August 2004: Members of the project team met with Earl Shaver (Technical Specialist – Storm water Expert, ARC) and Mary Manastyrski (Environmental Engineer – Contaminated Sites ARC), To Identify Sites Where Chemical Contaminants from Roads is Recognised as Problematic (traffic volume) or known to be problematic that may also be culturally significant.  
•    February 2005: The project team presented a proposed project plan to the Awataha marae Governing Board (Arnold and Rangitiinia Wilson, Peter Taurerewa, Peggy Hughes, Brenda Duxbury, Jude McCarthy, Maria Amoamo, and Lily George). Significant support for this research was secured and other environmental issues concerning the Marae and Tangata Whenua (e.g., land subsidence and water quality issues relating to Kaituna (Hillcrest Creek) were discussed.
•    July 2005: Members of the project team interviewed representatives of the Awataha Marae Governing Board about environmental issues and how they perceive the quality of the Awataha environment.