Kaitiaki & Volunteer Groups

Mā whero, mā pango, ka oti te mahi ~ With red and black the work will be complete.
 

This whakatauki refers to working together. Traditionally ‘whero’ signifies chiefs/leaders and ‘pango’ the community/workers. It acknowledges the need for both to work together in order to complete the work.
 

At Ōhiwa Harbour this is put into practice. Many people work together in care groups to restore the harbour margins and islands so that native birds and plants can thrive. Iwi and hapū, with their own mātauranga (knowledge) and practices of kaitiakitanga (guardianship), are actively engaged to counter the kaimoana declining and mangroves spreading. They are all supported by the Ōhiwa Harbour Strategy partnership – click to view the Ōhiwa Harbour Strategy.

 

There is lots to do! It takes many volunteer hours to control pest plants and animals and monitor local birdlife. Keen to help? Read more about the work of the care groups and how you can get involved.