Kaipara Marae Taiao Wānanga

Kaipara Marae Taiao Wānanga Unites Tamariki and Mana Whenua for Te Taiao 

Date: 21 May 2025 
Location: Te Kia Ora Marae, Kakanui 
Supported by: Ngāti Whātua o Kaipara, Auckland Council (Environmental Services), Department of Conservation (Ngā Awa River Restoration)
Participating kura: Kaukapakapa, Waitoki, Ahuroa, Helensville, Matua Ngaru, and Kaipara College 

In the heart of Kaipara, at the foot of Te Kia Ora Marae, the whenua came alive with the energy of ākonga, kaiako, and whānau gathering in unity to celebrate and restore their connection with te taiao. The Kaipara Marae Taiao Wānanga, held on 21 May 2025, was a powerful step forward in fulfilling the aspirations of mana whenua to strengthen ties with local kura and foster intergenerational kaitiakitanga. 

A Wānanga Rooted in Whakapapa and Purpose
This wānanga was born out of kōrero between Ngāti Whātua o Kaipara and Auckland Council’s Environmental Services team, who responded to mana whenua and their desire to create opportunities for local schools to learn from, and alongside, their iwi. It was a day that blended knowledge-sharing, cultural connection, and hands-on environmental action, supported generously by the Department of Conservation’s Ngā Awa River Restoration fund. 

The pōwhiri set the tone for the day—warm, welcoming, and full of wairua. From there, tamariki participated in three rotations of hands-on workshops including: 

• Para Kore (zero waste)
• Eco-planting and restoration techniques
• Water testing of local awa
• Kaipara Moana health and significance
• Taonga species protection
• Kiwi and pest control
• A Māori perspective on connecting with te taiao 

Capturing the Moment
A ground-based film crew captured the heartfelt stories and faces of the day—from student action to iwi leadership and interactive learning. Highlights included group workshops along the stream and glimpses of the connection between awa and moana, reinforcing the importance of holistic environmental restoration. 

Collaboration in Action
This event was made possible through the collective mahi of many hands. A special mihi goes to: 

• Ngāti Whātua o Kaipara for hosting, storytelling, and guiding the tikanga
• All participating kura and kaiako for their enthusiastic involvement
• Department of Conservation for funding and supporting the kaupapa
• Auckland Council’s Sustainable Schools team for coordination, logistics, and partnership building
• Te Aho Tū Roa and Enviroschools
• Uru Whakaaro, Para Kore Ki Tāmaki, The Forest Bridge Trust, Mountains To Sea, and Kaipara Moana Remediation for your amazing workshops
• Māori Video Productions for capturing the day

Looking Ahead 
The Kaipara Marae Taiao Wānanga wasn’t just a one-off—it’s the start of a journey. Future wānanga are in development, aiming to deepen connections between iwi, kura, and te taiao across the rohe. 

This kaupapa reminds us: 
Ki te kotahi te kākaho ka whati, ēngari ki te kāpuia e kore e whati — When reeds stand alone, they are vulnerable, but bound together, they are unbreakable.