Nature

Under Adrienne and Gary Dalton’s leadership, Te Whangai Trust works with vulnerable beneficiaries with complex issues helping move them into jobs, education and community involvement.

Adrienne and Gary lead Te Whangai Trust with a vision combining environmental restoration and social empowerment. Their approach, rooted in the concept of “whangai” (to nurture), integrates native plant cultivation with life skills training, fostering resilience and practical skills in vulnerable youth. Over 18 years, more than 3000 people working with the Trust have planted 5.6 million native trees. This has helped regenerate waterways, create urban green spaces and revitalise ancestral values.

Under the leadership of Helen Paul-Smith, ŌKU New Zealand is transforming traditional Māori knowledge into innovative, sustainable solutions for health and environmental challenges.

Helen leads ŌKU New Zealand with a powerful vision that blends cultural wisdom and scientific rigour. Through ŌKU New Zealand, Helen has spearheaded impactful projects like the Koi Carp Project, which repurposes an invasive fish to create advanced wound care products. Her leadership has also driven research into rongoā (traditional Māori healing) as a treatment for Type 2 diabetes, reflecting ŌKU New Zealand’s commitment to culturally relevant healthcare.

More than 800 kilometres of fencing and nearly two million trees have been planted through Kaipara Moana Remediation’s efforts.

The Kaipara Moana Remediation (KMR) programme is an expansive environmental restoration initiative involving more than 735 landowners, hapū, trusts and community groups. Operating within New Zealand’s largest harbour, KMR focuses on wetland restoration, reforestation and community engagement. Its achievements include extensive planting and fencing, with benefits such as habitat recovery for native species and climate resilience. Through collaboration with 66 diverse partners, KMR exemplifies large scale, community-driven environmental stewardship for enduring ecological impact.

The Forest Bridge Trust team has partnered with 894 landowners, restoring and protecting more than 47,500 hectares to support biodiversity.

The organisation fosters environmental stewardship by engaging landowners in the restoration of North Island brown kiwi habitats and other critical ecosystems. With a robust framework for community-led conservation, the Trust cultivates ecological resilience and intergenerational commitment to environmental health. Its educational and partnership-driven approach strengthens long-term protection of biodiversity, establishing a sustainable, regenerative foundation that supports both local communities and native species.