“We have seen the amplification of te reo and mātauranga. We are seeing that in every hapū, every marae, every kura. It is a tidal wave that no one can stop. We have gone too far to go back.”
What We've Achieved
Poipoia te Kākano Project
This hapū-led partnership is dedicated to protecting the globally significant ecosystems and endangered species of Kaipara Moana, Aotearoa’s largest estuarine water body. The project aims to eradicate invasive predators such as possums, stoats, rats, and pigs from 105,000 hectares across five peninsulas: Poutō, Hukatere (Tinopai), Puketōtara (Ōneriri), Ōkahukura (Tāporapora), and Te Korowai o Tonga (South Head). The long-term vision is to extend these efforts across the entire Kaipara catchment area, covering an additional 543,000 hectares. This initiative is deeply rooted in the principles of kaitiakitanga and mātauranga, ensuring a sustainable future for both the environment and local communities.
Poipoia was proud to host the Kura Taiao at Pākira Marae on the 23rd and 24th of March 2024. This special gathering was open to Ngāti Tūwharetoa whānau and celebrated the sharing of knowledge about te taiao. Registrations first opened to marae whānau, before welcoming the wider Ngāti Tūwharetoa iwi.
He rākau tū, he rākau ora, he rākau whakaora
Te Hira Pū-Ao represents the enduring connection between people and the natural world, embodying the mauri of te taiao and the wisdom of our tīpuna. Rooted in mātauranga Māori, Te Hira Pū-Ao is both a celebration of life and a commitment to the restoration and protection of the whenua and its many treasures.
This kaupapa has been created by the visionary team at Poipoia, under the expert leadership of Tina Porou and her dedicated team. Together, they weave mātauranga Māori, community engagement, and environmental stewardship to inspire kaitiakitanga and ensure a thriving future for generations to come.
Te Hira Pū-Ao acknowledges the whakapapa shared by all living things and seeks to restore the balance and vitality of te taiao through collaboration, education, and action.
Te Mana o te Wai: Upholding the Life Force of Water
Poipoia, under the leadership of Tina Porou, has been instrumental in advancing the principles of Te Mana o te Wai, which upholds the intrinsic value and life force of water. Their efforts include both training and the development of comprehensive guidance materials to support iwi, hapū, councils, and other stakeholders in implementing these principles effectively.
Training Initiatives
In collaboration with the Pou Taiao of the Iwi Chairs Forum and Te Wai Māori Trust, Poipoia delivers introductory Te Mana o te Wai training programmes. These programmes equip hapū and iwi with the resources and tools to achieve their freshwater aspirations. The training spans 1.5 days, combining online sessions with in-person workshops across various regions in Aotearoa. Additionally, Poipoia offers tailored half-day sessions for regional councils to deepen their understanding of Te Mana o te Wai policies.
Through such projects, Poipoia Ltd demonstrates its dedication to environmental stewardship, cultural advocacy, and the practical application of indigenous knowledge in resource management.
Resource Management Services: Poipoia offers a comprehensive range of services, including cultural impact assessments, planning support, and advocacy for both local and central government. They assist organizations in integrating kaitiakitanga principles into their operations, fostering better engagement on environmental matters with Māori communities.
Leadership and Governance: Tina Porou, of Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Tuwharetoa, Ngai Tāmanuhiri, and Ngāti Rakaipaaka descent, has over 20 years of experience in environmental planning and resource management. She has held governance roles with entities such as the Lake Taupo Forest Trust and Ngāti Porou Forests, contributing to sustainable development and environmental stewardship.
In April 2022, the Taupō District Council and Ngāti Tūrangitukua formalized a Mana Whakahono ā Rohe partnership agreement, marking a significant step in collaborative resource management. Poipoia, under the leadership of Tina Porou, specializes in fostering partnerships between iwi and local authorities. Their expertise in environmental planning and mātauranga Māori likely contributed to the successful establishment of this Mana Whakahono ā Rohe, enhancing collaborative resource management efforts in the region.
Tina Porou﹙Ngati Porou, Ngati Tūwharetoa, Ngāti Kahungunu and Ngai Tamanuhiri﹚Speaking at Te Hira Pū-Aō 2023
Beyond these programmes, Poipoia provides targeted capability and capacity-building initiatives, both online and in-person. These are tailored to assist hapū and iwi members in navigating New Zealand’s resource management regulatory framework and to guide organizations in integrating Te Mana o te Wai principles. Their training also encompasses understanding Te Ao Māori and Te Tiriti o Waitangi within the context of resource management.
