ABSTRACT
Peace is the foundation value for Moriori culture. Yet, over the last 200 years or more, Moriori culture has been overshadowed by struggles for survival, for retention of identity and language, and for control over care of sacred places and traditional knowledge (Waitangi Tribunal 2001). In the last few years Moriori have, through the Hokotehi Moriori Trust, 1 put aside the problems associated with the past, including those connected with archaeological recording systems. They have, instead, put in place solutions for effective care and management of their heritage. These solutions are based on a distinctively Moriori way of working and recording that ensures Indigenous knowledge is alive, respected and relevant. This approach was trialed in May 2006, and recording work has since been enhanced with the use of oral tradition recording technology and the recent gift from the New Zealand Government of funds for a Moriori Identity Trust (Te Keke Tura Moriori).
