The Waitangi Iwi Kiwi Project marked a decade of tangata whenua led pest control and biodiversity revitalisation with a special celebration on November 4th. Kiwi Coast has supported the group from the very beginning and were delighted to be part of the occasion.
Article by Phillipa Blomeley.
The Waitangi Iwi Kiwi Project celebrated 10 years of dedicated pest control and kiwi kaitiakitanga this month. Sharing kai as they looked out over the Waitangi Forest towards the Bay of Islands, they reflected on the results achieved to date, challenges overcome and future plans ahead.
The group has consistently removed hundreds of animal pests each year, contributing to the 40,000 pests removed annually from the wider Mid North area. The members have high hopes for the future, but pointed out the strong need to keep up the momentum or quickly go backwards.
One member expressed that it was the beautiful hearts of people who want to make things better, that made the difference.
“Like the woven strains of a kete, we collaborate with neighbouring groups to make us stronger in the battle against invasive pests.”
Despite a decade passing, key members of the project are still just as active and passionate about the project ten years on, which speaks volumes of the team’s personal commitment to the importance of reducing animal pests so taonga species such as kiwi can thrive.
The group is often described as one big whanau working together and collectively formed the Te Puke Ki Waitangi Taonga Kaitiaki Trust to help the project succeed. Dedicated committee members – most of whom have been with the project from the very beginning – have made all the difference. This includes Ngatikawa Taiuha (Ngati Kawa – Chair), Bev Sharpe (Secretary), Richard Takimoana (Waitangi National Trust), Albie Apiata (Ngati Kawa), Claire Ganantchian, Tiffany Holland and Matt Sharpe. Ongoing support has been provided by Andrew Mentor (Kiwi Coast), Neal Geerkins (Northland Forest Managers) with funding over the years from Northland Regional Council and Save the Kiwi Trust.
Andrew Mentor (Kiwi Coast) presents a gift to Ngatikawa, chair of the Te Puke Ki Waitangi Taonga Kaitiaki Trust
Andrew Mentor, Kiwi Coast shared a few words at the celebration, expressing his appreciation for the vision in those early days and the courage involved in overcoming challenges to achieve the significant results to date:
“What you have managed to do in ten years is very special. Thousands of pests have been removed, the native forests and streams have flourished as a result, and taonga such as kiwi are thriving. The relationships that have formed and strengthened as the work has grown have been at the heart of the project and key to it’s success.”
To mark the special milestone, Andrew presented a special framed photo of the area from Kiwi Coast to Waitangi Kiwi Kiwi.
If you are interested in getting involved or finding out more about the Waitangi Iwi Kiwi project contact Andrew Mentor at andrew@kiwicoast.org.nz
