The First of Many

November 5, 2021 10:30 am

PF2050 Ltd are learning what it looks like to protect and include iwi and hapū, including honouring tino rangatiratanga, tikanga, and taonga as we progress towards a predator free future. Therefore, we were excited to support the first iwi-led project to get underway in 2020, a significant milestone for the Predator Free mission.

Located in the Eastern Bay of Plenty of the North Island, the Korehāhā Whakahau project sits within the tribal boundaries of Ngāti Awa and is administered by post-settlement governance entity, Te Runanga o Ngāti Awa. Korehāhā Whakahau has recently celebrated its first anniversary.

Korehāhā Whakahau team singing a Waiata

The scope of the project is not only the eradication of possums from approximately 4,700 hectares, but to build capability and capacity for the iwi to participate and lead in the biodiversity and biosecurity sector; enabling whānau and communities to protect the taonga that are important to them, and build upon the legacy of kaitiakitanga in the rohe of Whakatāne.

After only one year in operation, Korehāhā Whakahau has created 18 job opportunities and has held over twenty-six training and development courses resulting in 31 certificates and qualifications.

Korero from Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Awa Chair Joe Harawira about the vision and journey of Korehāhā Whakahau

To celebrate all that had been accomplished throughout the year and to thank the local community and supporters for their backing so far, a Hapori Open Day was held in October 2021.

The event had a great turnout by young and old and included technology demonstrations, educational games, and overviews of the mahi completed so far and what the plans are for the future.

PF2050 Ltd Project Support Manager Melissa Brignall-Theyer helping out with preparing the kai at the open day

The project is an outstanding example of where social, environmental, and economic outcomes can coincide.

Although this was the first PF2050 Ltd iwi-led project, we are proud to now be supporting an additional two iwi-led projects at Kaipara Harbour and Waikaremoana, and we look forward to sharing their progress in the coming year.