An initiative led by Tairāwhiti Ngutukākā to restore and protect ngutukākā along the East Coast of Te Ika-a-Māui received $40,000 from Trust Tairāwhiti. The project aims to enhance the profile of ngutukākā by working with communities, particularly rangatahi, in conservation efforts.
Previously, less than 100 ngutukākā were found in the wild due to pests, roaming stock and extreme weather events. Around 5,000 ngutukākā seedlings are now being reintroduced to Tairāwhiti in collaboration with local communities, iwi and hapū. The restoration efforts involve planting at marae, kura, homesteads, parks, gardens, reserves, roadsides and remote sites where ngutukākā have the best chance of survival.
Through education programmes and workshops, Tairāwhiti Ngutukākā volunteers share mātauranga about the conservation of ngutukākā with various kura and marae across the region. At Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Mangatuna, students learn about the history of ngutukākā by conversing in te reo Māori with the volunteers as they plant, weed and care for the endangered species. Four fully grown ngutukākā now decorate the school entrance.
Tairāwhiti Ngutukākā also partnered with the Raukumara Pae Maunga Interschool Roadshow, reaching hundreds of tamariki, kaiako and whānau to share knowledge about the ngutukākā conservation efforts taking place along the coast.
East Coast marae, hapū, and whānau are supported by Tairāwhiti Ngutukākā volunteers in learning how to restore and protect ngutukākā by collaborating with them in planting efforts. So far, about 11 marae along the coast have successfully reintroduced this endangered species to their whenua.
Ongoing efforts are made to ensure the success of ngutukākā plantings through regular weeding, pest control and general site maintenance.
From 18 to 21 September, the Tairāwhiti Ngutukākā Festival will take place at various locations between Tolaga Bay and Tīkapa, inviting locals and tourists to support and celebrate the conservation of ngutukākā.
Visit the Tairāwhiti Ngutukākā website to buy tickets and learn more about the festival.