Whitebait Connection, in collaboration with Hokianga Harbour Care and the Whirinaki Trust, held a two-day freshwater wānanga, based at the Moria Marae in Whirinaki.
The theme for the wānanga was sustainability of our freshwater projects beyond 2025.
Day 1 included an amazing kōrero about the history of the rohe from the hau kāinga, followed by presentations from Northland Regional Council, Department of Conservation, Reconnecting Northland, Patuharakeke Te Iwi Trust Board, NKONWM, and other local community groups.
Closing of day one included a facilitated discussion on project sustainability, and a late-night spotlighting session in the Whirinaki awa.
Day 2 was a field trip to the local īnanga spawning site on the Whirinaki awa, where NĪSHRP manager, Nic Naysmith, discussed the delicate balance of critical habitat and Īnanga spawning zones, followed by a discussion from David from KMR and their experience in riparian planting.
All in all, it was a successful wānanga, where we exchanged ideas and great connections were made, with a pathway towards a sustainable future for all of our projects.
A special thank you to Haley Gielen, who captured these beautiful moments.
And a massive thank you to Ministry for the Environment for funding the whole event and to MTF Finance Whangarei for the use of your van and gazebo.
If you would like to support our organisation and help us reach more people with our marine and freshwater engagement initiates, you can donate or sign up as a volunteer below.
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