Halo Whakatāne

Halo Whakatāne is a grassroots, community-driven initiative, supported by government and leading organisations. Our vision is to create an unfenced sanctuary in the Eastern Bay of Plenty, providing a habitat where Tīeke (Saddleback) can live and thrive in the heart of Whakatāne.

Through our collaborative programme, Te Whakaora i Te Mauri o Te Whenua, we work to restore the mauri (life force) of our whenua. We invite students to experience and learn from nature, fostering a deep, lifelong connection to the taiao (environment) and inspiring them to be active kaitiaki (guardians) of our natural world.

Students from a range of schools will work together to immediately improve the environment by removing rubbish and weeds, and planting natives. They gain knowledge about the history of our Awa, our native plants and animals, the health of our water, and the positive and negative impacts of people as a whole. These tauira will become the kaitiaki of te taiao. By spending time out in nature they will develop a stronger connection to her, and together we can create positive change.

We are proud to be working with students from James Street School, Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Te Orini ki Ngāti Awa, Trident High School, Whakatāne High School, Whakatāne Intermediate School, Edgecumbe Primary School and Te Kura o Taneatua.

Our Operational Plan highlights four themes necessary to significantly progress our vision:

• Collectively working together within relationships of mutual trust and respect
• Building rangatahi (youth), skills and capabilities
• Eradicating target pest species to restore and protect native and endemic species
• Local action, led by the community

Development of our strategic outcomes is co-designed by our collective and stakeholders. Wide participation and genuine relationships with hapū/iwi are integral to the success of this project.

Te Ao Māori (the Māori world view) and mātauranga Māori (Māori knowledge) is integrated into project plans and objectives, guided by appropriate mutual agreements. HALO Whakatāne will proactively foster and maintain relationships with hapū and iwi, with:

• A commitment to focus on achieving a thriving indigenous natural environment
• A dedication to equip Rangatahi (youth), with the experience and skills needed for a nature rich future
• The courage to persevere in the absence of certainly

Check out our website to learn more about Halo Whakatāne: www.halowhakatane.org.nz