Our Mahi

Our mahi at Te Pu-a Ngā Maara is guided by a deep connection to the taiao, weaving together the elements of Rangi, Whenua, Moana, and Tangata. Through these Pou, we empower our communities, restore the environment, and honour te ao Māori values in all we do.

 

Tuia ki te Rangi. Tuia ki te Whenua. Tuia ki te Moana. Tuia te herenga Tangata. E Rongo te Poo. E Rongo te Ao. Tīhei Mauri Ora!

 

Rangi  

  • Resource Development
    Creating a library of physical and digital Te Ao Māori resources centred on Taiao connection and regeneration.  
  • Environmental Observations
    Collecting and recording data to support environmental insights. 
  • Wānanga and Workshops
    Delivering hands-on learning and knowledge-sharing experiences.  
  • Corporate Training and Cultural Responsiveness
    Tailored packages for businesses and organisations to enhance cultural competency and environmental responsibilities.

 

Whenua  

  • Pest Plant and Animal Management
    Controlling invasive species to safeguard the land and waterways.  
  • Beekeeper Training
    For over a year, our Taiao Rangers have been mentored by a retired volunteer beekeeper, learning bee life cycles, hive maintenance, and harvest preparation. The bees have enriched our mahi, with rangatahi finding peace and purpose in supporting their well-being.  
  • Native Plant Sourcing and Maintenance
    Preparing land, collecting native seeds, eco-sourcing plants, and planting and nurturing native flora for sustained growth.  
  • Fencing
    Our Taiao Rangers install fencing to shield plantings and waterways from livestock.  

 

Moana  

  • Water Quality Monitoring of Puhinui Stream
    For the past seven years, our rangatahi have monitored key sites along the Puhinui Stream. In early 2025, this effort expanded into a long-term research project, gathering data to evaluate restoration impacts, including tuna (eel) population surveys.  
  • Compliance
    Reporting pollution incidents and notifying the council of contamination concerns.  
  • Habitat Restoration and Maintenance
    Supporting regeneration efforts to enhance habitat health.  
  • Te Whakaoranga o te Puhinui Project
    A long-term restoration initiative to improve the health of Puhinui Stream, driven by collaboration between Auckland Council, local Māori iwi, and our communities.  
  • Wai Research, Science, and Innovation
    Promoting innovative rangahau around wai, guided by a te ao Māori perspective.

 

Tangata  

  • Te Hapai ō – Back Office Support
    Providing vital operational support to ensure smooth functioning.  
  • Umbrella Kaupapa
    Aligning with our mission to uplift and empower other roopu to carry out the mahi.  
  • Rangatahi Entrepreneurship Support
    Nurturing environmental innovation and enterprise among youth.  
  • Event Management and Coordination
    Organizing events, giveback days, and activations in partnership with stakeholders.  
  • Relationships and Stakeholders
    Building meaningful partnerships that reflect Te Pu-a Ngā Maara’s values and vision, while supporting mana whenua aspirations through collective impact.

 

 

Te Pu-a-Nga Maara