Rohe Kōreporepo - The Swamp, The Sacred Place

This documentary is a positive ecological story following teams of kaitiaki (guardians) as they work to replant and reflood Aotearoa's dying wetlands and swamps using mātauranga (traditional Māori knowledge) as their guide. Wetlands and swamps act as "territorial sponges" in the landscape: soaking up rainwater, preventing flooding, recharging groundwater systems and storing carbon. They were also ancient food baskets for Māori. In this extended trailer, local iwi, farmers, artists, scientists and young people from across Aotearoa discuss the unique ecosystems of their rohe kōreporepo — swamps and sacred places.

If Maketū wasn't here they'd be a lot of people starving.

– Local kaitiaki (guardian) on the ancient wetland Maketū near Kaituna River

Key Cast & Crew

Kathleen Gallagher

Co-Director, Writer, Producer

Kate Goodwin

Co-Director

Dylan Pyle

Writer

Dave Perry

Cinematographer

Gaylene Barnes

Editor

Nicole Reddington

Composer