Grounded in the Past,
Guiding the Future
The Mauri Compass is more than a tool—it is a bridge between worlds, translating historical wisdom into modern environmental action.
Our Whakapapa
The Mauri Compass was born from a need to ensure that cultural values were not just heard, but understood and acted upon in environmental decision-making.
Grounded in mātauranga Māori and supported by environmental science, it provides a structured way to assess mauri—the life-supporting capacity of a place. It translates deep cultural concepts into defensible data that stands up in courtrooms, council chambers, and community halls alike.
Developed over more than 20 years and refined through over 300 noho marae, the Compass was inspired by our Pāpā, the late Bill Ruru.
He always said "You know the mauri is restored when you can safely place kai from the waters on the table for your manuhiri."
Three generations of kaitiaki: Bill Ruru with his son Ian and grandson Manawa
Explore the Compass
Adjust the 12 key attributes across the three domains to see how they shape the holistic mauri assessment.
Meet the Kaitiaki
Ian Ruru
Founder & Director
The Mauri Compass was inspired by my father, the late Bill Ruru, and his commitment to passing mātauranga Māori to his grandsons. I was lucky to spend many years with him delivering aquaculture and customary fishing wānanga at more than 300 marae. I have a strong scientific background in marine and freshwater fisheries and previously served as Principal Māori Scientist at the Ministry for the Environment. I also hold governance and advisory roles with Kāhui Māori – Sustainable Seas Science Challenge, the Te Wai Māori Trust, and Te Puna o Taumata Arowai (Crown Appointment).
Riaki Ruru
Mauri Compass Lead & Co-Developer
Ko Te Aitanga a Mahaki, ko Ngati Porou, ko Ngai Tai, ko Whakatohea oku iwi. Tenei ra te mihi nui ki a koutou. I am a Māori environmental practitioner with an environmental science background and experience across both the public and private sectors. My work brings mātauranga Māori and contemporary environmental approaches together to support sound decision-making with clear, robust evidence. I draw on both traditional and innovative knowledge to protect and enhance people and place.