Led by tāngata whenua, supported by NRC’s Te Ruarangi (Taitokerau Māori and Council Working Party), this expanded wānanga reflected a deepening commitment to kaupapa led spaces where “kāwanatanga and rangatiratanga can work together for the well-being of the taiao”.
Te Ruarangi Co-chairs Nyze Manuel, Cr Arama Morunga and Joanne Murray - Kaitiaki o te Taiao.
Te Ruarangi co-chair Nyze Manuel says when looking after our taiao is at the centre of what, why, when and how we do, kaitiaki are at the forefront.
“Working alongside NRC with hapu, iwi and community for the greater good of our taiao will be a success. Why? Because we all share the good, bad and successes together.” “From state of emergencies to biosecurity and the Mauri o Te wai we all share the responsibilities.”
The first day centered on the wananga waiora and acknowledged wai as a living relationship, exploring tikanga, mātauranga and kaitiaki led initiatives to restore the mauri of waterways. Kōrero tuku iho or ancient knowledge sat alongside practical examples of environmental action, highlighting the depth of knowledge held across Taitokerau and the evolution of kaitiaki groups that incorporate technology with mātauranga Māori.
The regional climate summit focused on collective action and resilience. Hapū and community voices shared lived experiences of climate impacts and locally led solutions, supported by councils and agencies. Themes of innovative approaches strengthened relationships, and the growing leadership and involvement of rangatahi were strongly represented, echoing the success of Wananga Waiora of previous years.
Overall, the wānanga was a great success, with approximately 143 attendees across the two days. It reinforced the value of coming together kānohi ki te kānohi to amplify Taikī ē, build trust and support coordinated action. Wānanga Waiora continues to grow as a key regional forum for learning, connection and future focused thinking strengthening the partnership between kaitiaki, hapū, iwi and councils.
Moana Timoko – Peruperu Rawa - Climate Resilience Fund recipient – Community-led initiatives to build resilience
Dallas King - Hokianga Electrocoagulation Project. Te Mauri o te Wai - Initiatives led by kaitiaki to protect water
Holly Hetaraka - Te Uri o Hikihiki - Learnings from the Rāhui Moana and Marine Protected Areas
Celia Witehira and Troy Brockbank - Health Impacts - Ngāti Hine health adaptation project
Rangatahi Panel – Our Future, Our Responsibility
Nyze Manuel with Ngāti Kawa me Ngāti Rāhiri haukāinga.
Tohorā, Kauri, Taiao - Manu Taupunga - Ngāti Hine me Ngati Wai.
Te Rarawa Me He Wai Mahi - Kaitiaki-led solutions to build capability and sustainable practices, marae to marae
