Established in 2017, Te Pu-a Nga Maara is a Rangatahi-led Taiao Innovators collective born out of the shared aspirations of Makaurau Marae, Manurewa Marae and Papatuuaanuku Kookiri Marae.
Building environmentally healthy, culturally sound tikanga-based practices to ensure the health and well-being of our whanau, hapu, rangatahi and mokopuna.
In 2017, the rangatahi of Manurewa, Tamaki Makaurau, took a significant step towards environmental sustainability by inventing Te Kete Waiora, a water testing method for our local streams and waterways. From 2018 to 2019, our Taiao Innovators, with the active participation of our communities, shared Indigenous Solutions for Sustainable futures for our whanau, leading to the prestigious Mayoral Conservation Award.
As we move forward, we are excited about the future initiatives that will further our mission of environmental sustainability. 2020 to 2021, we focused on Rangi, Whenua and Moana initiatives, introducing drones, eliminating Para Kore Pests and Raakau Maaori, and sharing Whakapapa Wai through Te Kete Waiora. We celebrated 5 years, Te Kete Waiora was established as a company, and Te Pu-a Nga Maara became a registered Charitable Trust.
2022 to 2023 Te Pu-a Nga Maara developed Tuuhono ki Taiao, a resource kete developed by our rangathi with the guidance of Zara Rihi Motutere TPNM KaikÅkiri(Projects Manager). Among the highlights were the jobs for nature on the Puhinui Steam, Awa Rangers, Community Planting Days, Waitiaki Water testing, Pest trapping, Maramataka and Tirotiro Taiao. 2023 we celebrated the new Matariki public holiday with a 2 day wananga “Te Maatahi o te Tau mot e Manurewatanga”
Tangaroa Giveback Days, the opening of Manu Tangi Ata, planting along the Puhinui and Giveback Days with Kura and Mana Whenua.
2024 has seen the growth of our Taiao Rangers, a Matariki celebration “Matariki ki te Puhinui” We were the recipients of the Kuumara Award 2024 and further grow our Mission to REVIVE – Ngaa Koorero Tuku Iho, RECONNECT– ki Te Ao Tuuroa, and REGENERATE – Ngaa Tai o te Ao. TAIAO ORA: MAURI ORA Nature is life.
