Outstanding Collaboration
2022 AWARD FINALIST
Sponsored by the Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment
The Waiheke Marine Project is an example of the community and mana whenua taking collaborative action to protect and regenerate the land and sea.
The project embodies Ahu Moana (co-management of the coastline) at scale so the mauri of Waiheke's marine environment is regenerated. It enables all voices to be heard. Āhurutanga (enabling conditions) are provided for ongoing implementation of multiple projects.
Action is delivered through an innovative collaborative structure known as Te Kete. It is described as an open weave kete with six backbone threads (workstreams) that work together to support multiple reinforcing pipi (actions).
The partnership has deliverable multiple benefits for community and mana whenua. For example, Operated Kelp Gardeners, a mana whenua and community project respectfully removes kina to enable seaweed regrowth. Also, six events specifically for Ngati Paoa have been held to reconnect with Waiheke land and sea, raising capacity for kaitiakitanga.
In partnership with NSC Sustainable Seas, a Digital Action Tracker is being developed to share the growing data about Waiheke's marine environment and efforts to protect and regenerate biodiversity and social ecosystems.