Our mahi at Te Pu-a Ngā Maara is guided by a deep connection to the taiao, weaving together the elements of Rangi, Whenua, Moana, and Tangata. Through these Pou, we empower our communities, restore the environment, and honour te ao Māori values in all we do.
Tuia ki te Rangi. Tuia ki te Whenua. Tuia ki te Moana. Tuia te herenga Tangata. E Rongo te Poo. E Rongo te Ao. Tīhei Mauri Ora!
Rangi
Resource Development:
Creating a library of physical and digital Te Ao Māori resources centred on Taiao connection and regeneration.
Environmental Observations:
Collecting and recording data to support environmental insights.
Wānanga and Workshops:
Delivering hands-on learning and knowledge-sharing experiences.
Corporate Training and Cultural Responsiveness:
Tailored packages for businesses and organisations to enhance cultural competency and environmental responsibilities.
Whenua
Pest Plant and Animal Management:
Controlling invasive pest plant species to protect the indigenous biodiversity is essential to the health of land and waterways in Aotearoa.
Beekeeper Training:
For over a year, our Taiao Rangers have been mentored by a retired volunteer beekeeper, learning bee life cycles, hive maintenance, and harvest preparation. Bees are essential to biodiversity, and our beekeeper training has enriched our mahi and supported our rangatahi in finding peace and purpose, which are essential to their wellbeing.
Native Plant Sourcing and Maintenance:
Preparing land, collecting native seeds, eco-sourcing plants, and planting and nurturing native flora for sustained growth.
Fencing:
Our Taiao Rangers install fencing to shield plantings and waterways from livestock.
Moana
Water Quality Monitoring of Puhinui Stream:
For the past seven years, our rangatahi have monitored the water quality at key sites along the Puhinui Stream. In early 2025, our water quality monitoring efforts expanded to include a long-term research project focused on gathering data to evaluate the impact of water quality restoration efforts on natural flora and fauna such as tuna (eel) population impacts.
Compliance:
Reporting pollution incidents and notifying the council of contamination concerns.
Habitat Restoration and Maintenance:
Supporting regeneration efforts to enhance habitat health.
Te Whakaoranga o te Puhinui Project:
This is a longterm restoration project to improve the mauri and health of the Puhinui Stream, and is a collaborative effort between Auckland Council, local Māori iwi and our communities.
Wai Research, Science, and Innovation:
Promoting innovative rangahau around wai, guided by a te ao Māori perspective.
Tangata
Te Hapai ō: Back Office Support
Providing vital operational support to ensure smooth functioning.
Umbrella Kaupapa:
Aligning with our mission to uplift and empower other roopu to carry out the mahi.
Rangatahi Entrepreneurship:
Support nurturing environmental innovation and enterprise among youth.
Event Management and Coordination:
Organising events, giveback days, and activations in partnership with stakeholders.
Relationships and Stakeholders:
Building meaningful partnerships that reflect Te Pu-a Ngā Maara values and vision, while supporting mana whenua aspirations through collective impact.
