Wānanga Waiora 2: Strengthening Kaitiakitanga for Our Waters

As tangata whenua, our connection to wai is intrinsic to our identity, well-being, and responsibilities as kaitiaki. With ongoing environmental challenges, legislative reforms, and climate pressures, the upcoming Wānanga Waiora 2 is an essential gathering for Te Taitokerau kaitiaki and hapū to share mātauranga, experiences, and strategies for protecting our taiao.

Join Us in Strengthening Our Commitment to Wai

Taking place at the Tahuroa Function Centre, Waitangi, on Wednesday, 26 March 2025, this event is a tangata whenua-led forum that will bring together tohunga, environmental practitioners, and kaitiaki to discuss freshwater protection, marine conservation, and climate resilience. Sponsored by Northland Regional Council and hosted by Whangaroa Taiao Limited, the wānanga is a space for learning, strategizing, and strengthening our collective efforts to safeguard our waterways.

Key Discussions and Programme Highlights

The day will begin with karakia and mihi whakatau, led by Te Ruarangi Co-Chairs Pita Tipene and I, setting the foundation for a kaupapa-rich programme. Some key sessions include:

Mahi Taiao – Insights from Matua Tohe Ashby, Matua Adam, and Jaycee Tipene-Thomas on environmental guardianship.

Me He Wai – Freshwater monitoring and restoration by Te Rūnanga o Te Rarawa and Maihi Makiha.

Ngā Mahi o te Wai – Water-focused initiatives from Ōturu Marae, presented by Jaroz Popata.

Marine Protected Areas – Discussions on marine conservation, featuring Te Uri Hikihiki and the NRC Biosecurity Team.

Environmental Monitoring – Perspectives from Ngāti Rehia kaitiaki and the NRC Science & Monitoring Team.

Partnerships Mahi – Strengthening collaboration between Whangaroa kaitiaki and the Northland Regional Council Freshwater Team.

The event will also include kai breaks, whakawhiti kōrero, and an open floor panel discussion before closing with a karakia whakamutunga.

Why This Wānanga Matters

With the Resource Management Act reforms reshaping how we manage freshwater and climate-related issues, this wānanga provides a vital opportunity to: ✔ Learn about legislative changes affecting our wai. ✔ Share mātauranga on hapū-led restoration efforts. ✔ Strengthen whanaungatanga among Te Taitokerau kaitiaki. ✔ Build collective strategies for marine and freshwater protection.

Be Part of the Kōrero

This is more than just a hui—it’s a call to action. We encourage hapū representatives, kaitiaki, environmental advocates, and community leaders to attend and contribute their knowledge. By coming together, we can reaffirm our responsibilities as mana whenua, ensuring that our wai and taiao remain protected for future generations.

Click here to register and view the full programme:

Te Wānanga Waiora - Eventfinda

We look forward to seeing you there!

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