The historical collection and distribution of natural history specimens from Rangitāhua represents a complex intersection of scientific exploration and colonial practices. This groundbreaking study presents the first comprehensive analysis of Rangitāhua specimens held in global institutions, combined with a detailed examination of historical expeditions to the rohe. Through extensive data collection, we documented 40,804 records comprising over 1.73 million individual specimens and observations, currently distributed across 88 institutions in 17 countries.
Through innovative cross-referencing of temporal and geographic data, we successfully mapped the journey of individual specimens from their collection sites to their current institutions, reconstructing the historical pathways of scientific expeditions and their cargo. This presentation outlines our methodology and research and critically examines these collections within the context of indigenous rights and cultural heritage, particularly considering Rangitāhua's significance as tupuna to Ngāti Kuri and the historical exclusion of iwi from their traditional territories while scientific collection and settlement continued.
Marina Klemm, Auckland War Memorial Museum: Marina Klemm is the Associate Curator of Te Mana o Rangitāhua at Auckland Museum's Natural Sciences department, where she contributes to projects focused on restoring Rangitāhua's taiao and retelling this tupuna's story through indigenous lens.
As tauiwi to this land, with whakapapa in Brazil, Marina began her career studying forensic entomology in her home country before moving to Aotearoa to complete her PhD on small RNAs of human parasites at the University of Auckland in 2023. When COVID lockdowns prevented laboratory access, Marina pivoted to data analysis, discovering a passion for statistics and large datasets that continues to inform her work today.
Marina joined Auckland Museum in 2022 as a Kaitiaki Kaiako, delivering learning programs to schools across the Auckland region. Since January 2024, she has served in her current role with Te Mana o Rangitāhua, where she's delighted to work once again with her beloved creepy-crawlies. She treasures the opportunity to bring together science, data analysis, and cultural understanding to support environmental restoration and indigenous storytelling.