2025 Closing 2024 with impact: Puhinui Giveback Day highlights
14 Mar 2025 - Nature
Rosie Sommerville - Sustainable Business Network
Closing 2024 with impact: Puhinui Giveback Day highlights
For SBN’s field partners Te Pu-a-Nga Maara (TPNM) ‘Giveback Days’ are an important part of respecting the wisdom of the maramataka - the Maaori lunar calendar.
Giveback days are intentionally scheduled to coincide with the huna phase of the maramataka. It’s a time traditionally dedicated to giving back to Tangaroa and Hinemoana (Maaori personification of the seas and creatures who live there).
For the final Giveback Day of 2024, TPNM’s Taiao Rangers took attendees on an immersive journey into environmental restoration and maatauranga Maaori.
Employees from Z Energy, Milford Foundation, Tūpuna Maunga Authority, AECOM and NZ Safety Blackwoods joined the experience. They gained hands-on insight into this work.
The skilled rangers undergo specialised training in environmental monitoring, restoration and traditional Maaori knowledge. They use tohutaka (observations) and maramataka to guide their efforts. Their mahi includes pest control, water quality monitoring and ecological restoration, all deeply informed by te ao Maaori.
During Giveback Days, the rangers become educators, sharing their expertise with funders and business leaders. Being a partner on this project is more than just supporting financially. Participants actively learn from the next generation of environmental leaders, while connecting with the taiao (natural environment).
While volunteers typically engage in tree planting or weeding, this Giveback Day offered something extra. The morning began as usual, with groups tackling hand-releasing (removing weeds) and para (rubbish) collection. From there, attendees rotated through four interactive workshop stations led by the rangers:
- Native plant identification
- Pest trapping techniques
- Raranga putiputi (weaving flax flowers)
- Maramataka 101 (Maaori lunar calendar)
Among the attendees was Z Energy CEO Lindis Jones. He was experiencing the Puhinui Regeneration Project for the first time. He was inspired by the talent and dedication of the local rangatahi (youth) leading nature-based careers.
“On-site, the passion for the project and the difference this group of people is making are immediately evident. The regeneration of the surrounding bush and the number of birds has made this an oasis in a very industrial part of South Auckland. This made it a great place to hang out, learn, and be inspired for the morning. For those of you based in Taamaki Makaurau, or those that travel there regularly, I can recommend this as a way to spend one of your volunteer days.”
NZ Safety Blackwoods recently formed a volunteer partnership with SBN and TPNM. It was also their first time joining a Giveback Day. Chloe Gabellone from the Merchandise team reflected on her experience.
“Volunteering for the Puhinui Regeneration Project was an incredibly enriching experience. Our group spent the first hour cleaning up the area, collecting rubbish and making a visible difference. Then, the rangers shared their world with us, showing how they care for the environment. They taught us plant weaving, explained the purposes of the various plants they’ve grown and discussed pest control methods and the influence of moon phases on their work. It wasn’t just about helping out, it was an eye opening journey into a world I had never encountered before.”
The Taiao Rangers also enjoyed planting seeds of knowledge. Upon reflection, the rangatahi said that it showed the team they were more than capable of leading and facilitating. It’s inspired them to do more personal research and gain more knowledge.
The rangers said “Manuhiri (guests) were fully engaged and were able to make connections on their own based on their learning from each workshop. They loved the resources we used during workshops, such as the rakau (native plant) book.”
Wish you were there? Don’t worry, there’s plenty more to come this year! Join us for our next Huna Giveback Day on Tuesday 8th April.
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