“I grew up doing a lot of the mahi we do at Te Pu-a-Nga Maara for our marae, Makaurau Marae, alongside my grandfather. At the time he was working on the restoration project of the Oruarangi Awa in partnership with Watercare. He was doing planting days, water testing and also bird watching along the Manukau Harbour and Oruarangi Stream.”
For Keri, regeneration means “restoring past knowledge and incorporating it back into today's society for many generations to follow, whether Maaori or non-Maaori.” Her understanding reflects a deep commitment to not just physical restoration, but the revival of traditional practices.
Tikanga, an important element in her life, is woven into every aspect of the mahi at Te Pu-a-Nga Maara. That work includes using “tohutaka/observations and the maramataka to help monitor taiao movement whether it’s land, sky or sea based.” Maramataka is the traditional Maaori lunar calendar. This system acknowledges the impact of the Moon phases on the natural world. It informs many aspects of Māori life, including fishing, planting and gathering of kai.
“Tikanga is the baseline of all things Māori and I have learnt that we use these in our everyday lives without realising it,” she explains.
While Keri has held many different roles, she describes the work with Te Pu-a-Nga Maara as the most fulfilling.
“Knowing that what we do somewhat leaves a good imprint behind for the taiao and future generations makes it worth it.”
It’s a sentiment shared by many working in regeneration. This mahi isn’t just about restoring ecosystems and reconnecting communities, it's about leaving a legacy for those who come after.
Her advice to other rangatahi thinking about supporting regenerative practices is both simple and profound.
“We are one with the Taiao. When you take care of the Taiao, the Taiao will take care of you.”
This is a statement she once took for granted, but finds it very relevant to her today. To encourage more rangatahi to follow her pathway, Keri believes we must raise awareness of the opportunities available. By supporting marae and local communities to host educational programmes, she hopes to see an increase in rangatahi involvement in and around the taiao.
Steph Vercoe, SBN’s Impact and Investment Lead, is continually inspired by the passion and dedication of the rangatahi at Te Pu-a-Nga Maara.
“Keri’s story is a powerful reminder of the importance of listening to and uplifting the voices of rangatahi. As we look to the future, it’s clear that rangatahi like Keri are leading the way in revitalising both the environment and the continuum of cultural knowledge sharing. Their work is a testament to the value of supporting young people to engage in mahi tiaki taiao.”
Te Pu-a-Nga Maara and its partners are grateful for the support of those who see the importance of empowering rangatahi to lead in the field of regeneration. Together, we are ensuring that the voices of young leaders like Keri continue to shape the future of our whenua.
If you’re inspired by Keri’s journey and want to get involved, join us at our next Connect with te Puhinui give back day, on the 12 November.
