Tēnā koutou e te whānau o Ngāti Pāoa,

Kei ngā uri o Pāoa puku nui, Pāoa taringa rahirahi nei rā ngā mihi.

The past weeks have not been easy for many of our whānau. Cyclone Vaianu and the ongoing fuel crisis have placed real pressure on households across our rohe and beyond. We have seen first hand how quickly circumstances can change. Amidst this, it has been heartening to witness the strength and generosity of our whānau and marae, who stood by, opened their doors, rallied support, and led with manaakitanga when it was needed most. Your mahi reminds us who we are as Ngāti Pāoa.

Looking ahead, there is much to be positive about. I am genuinely excited to be meeting more of you kanohi ki te kanohi at upcoming kaupapa, especially our Whānau Zoo Day and Hui Rautaki. These moments to connect, kōrero, laugh and plan together are so important as we move forward post-settlement and continue shaping our collective future.

I look forward to sharing space with many more of you very soon.

Ngā manaakitanga ki a koutou katoa,

Nā Steph

Pou Rāhui Update

Tēnā tātou e te whānau,

Nei rā ngā mihi ki a koutou kātoa.

Moana Ambassadorial Project

Our 2026 project is now complete, having finished on 29 March. The team worked very hard to reach as many moana users as possible. We thank Auckland Council and the Ministry of Primary Industries for funding the project, the Ngāti Pāoa Iwi Trust operations for the massive support and to the team Jeanine, Tania, Mereana, Tyrone, Miranda, Cadence and Te Ara Pounamu for their tireless application.

Rangatahi Development Project

The new project, supported by the Ministry for Primary Industries, targeting the development of 3 of our Waiheke Island based rangatahi in moana based activities has now begun. The rangatahi have been able to work with Advanced Aquarium Technologies to gain an in-depth understanding, and hands on knowledge of UVC lights that are to be used to eradicate exotic Caulerpa. They have begun their Commercial Skipper training together with their Scuba Dive training. We thank our providers, Panapa Charters and Dive HQ for their support. We look forward to tracking their journey.

Kiwi Relocation

Phase 2 of the Kiwi Relocation to Waiheke Island from Pōnui Island began on 6 April. This saw a further 14 kiwi released to join the 10 released last year and their 4 chicks. Many thanks to our representative handlers Mereana and Miranda for their continued dedication to this kaupapa.

Mauriora e te whānau,

Nā Blair Anderson

Te Korowai o Waiheke:

Outdoor First Aid Course & Predator Trapping

In March 2026, ten Ngāti Pāoa whānau completed a two-day Outdoor First Aid Course at West Lynn Gardens through Te Korowai o Waiheke. The training focused on building practical outdoor skills that could make a real difference for themselves and others.

They then continued their learning with a two-day NMIT trapping course at the Auckland Botanical Gardens, delivered in partnership with the Department of Conservation. This stage strengthened their hands-on skills and knowledge to effectively manage pest control and trapping line programmes.

All participants gained NZQA qualifications from both courses, equipping them to apply these skills within their own whare, marae and community or alongside any of the predator trapping groups across Aotearoa.

The final stage will be a one-day paid work placement on Waiheke Island, working alongside Te Korowai o Waiheke stoat trappers, taking place soon.

A big thank you to Miranda Andrews (Ngāti Pāoa) for facilitating this opportunity with the support of Pacific Development and Conservation Trust and Te Korowai o Waiheke.