Mata-Huiarua Kaitiaki Ngahere
-Te Puna Ora o Huiarua
Mata-Huiarua Kaitiaki Ngahere -Te Puna Ora o Huiarua korero
Our group exists to restore and protect the native ngahere of Huiarua while strengthening the wellbeing of our people through connection to whenua. We are committed to reducing possum numbers through consistent, on the ground control, creating the conditions for the ngahere to regenerate and for healthy ecosystems to return and thrive for future generations. Our vision is to create a living, breathing space where whānau, rangatahi, and community members come together to learn, heal, and reconnect. Through hands on environmental mahi, wānanga, and shared experiences on the land, we are building a model of kaitiakitanga that uplifts both te taiao and te tangata. Ultimately, Huiarua is a place where ecological restoration and community wellbeing grow side by side, creating strong, resilient landscapes and deeply connected people.
Supporters / Sponsors
Trees That Count/Project Crimson
Mangatu Marae: people and volunteer support in kind
Predator Free NZ
LotteryNZ
News / Media
Mata-Huiarua Kaitiaki Ngahere -Te Puna Ora o Huiarua online
Historical Milestones and Events
Te Puna Ora o Huiarua was established and opened in February 2023 as a dedicated space for healing, connection, and whenua based learning on the East Coast. Since its opening, it has become a central hub for bringing whānau and community members together through wānanga, retreats, and hands on environmental mahi. Over the past year, we have hosted a range of wānanga focused on wellbeing, reconnection to whenua, and practical skills in caring for the native ngahere. These gatherings have created opportunities for whānau, rangatahi, and local community members to build confidence, strengthen relationships, and learn together in a safe and supportive environment. A key milestone has been the establishment of our on the ground possum control efforts within the ngahere. We currently maintain five possum traps across the bush, with ongoing monitoring and engagement from both adults and rangatahi who are learning the importance of kaitiakitanga through action. Our retreats and wānanga have continued to grow in interest and impact, with increasing participation from local whānau and neighbouring communities. These events not only support environmental restoration but also contribute to the social and cultural wellbeing of our people. Te Puna Ora o Huiarua continues to evolve as a place where restoration of the ngahere and the strengthening of community go hand in hand, guided by kaupapa Māori values and a deep commitment to the whenua.
Leading from the Land -
Project Case study
Project Outline
This project focuses on restoring approximately native ngahere at Huiarua through possum control and community led environmental mahi. The objective is to regenerate the ngahere into a thriving, biodiverse ecosystem while strengthening whānau connection to whenua and building long term kaitiakitanga. It brings together environmental restoration and community wellbeing, creating lasting impact for both the ngahere and the people connected to it.
It aims to learn what possum control methods are most effective within our ngahere at Huiarua, including comparing ground based traps, elevated AT220 traps, and night shooting. It aims to understand what works best in our terrain, how often traps need servicing, and what approach gives the best results over time.
The group will learn how to monitor impact in a simple, practical way by tracking catch data, observing birdlife, and seeing changes in vegetation and regeneration. Another key learning is how to engage whānau and rangatahi in consistent, hands on mahi, building confidence, skills, and long term kaitiakitanga.
Support for this project includes land access, accommodation, and pest control support provided by INGKA.
Te Kura ā Iwi o Waikirikiri provides transport, fuel, and student involvement.
Te Kura o Mata supports participation in wānanga and learning on the whenua.
Additional support includes volunteer labour from whānau and community members contributing to trapping, monitoring, and delivery of wānanga. Partner Support or External Contributions
INGKA provides significant in kind support to this project.
Key activities include installing and maintaining trap lines targeting possums. This includes ground based possum traps set along trap lines and checked regularly, alongside elevated self resetting traps such as AT220 traps. Night shooting is also used to reduce possum numbers and relieve pressure on the ngahere to support regeneration.
A major milestone will be the delivery of ten wānanga across the year, bringing whānau, rangatahi and community members onto the whenua for hands on learning, trap servicing and restoration mahi.
Additional milestones include ongoing monitoring of birdlife and vegetation recovery, along with tracking catch data to understand what methods are most effective.
Fostering the collective well-being of Tairāwhiti Catchments
