Iwi-led conservation in the Kaimai Mamuku ranges

In the Kaimai Mamuku ranges iwi-led conservation projects are tackling pests, removing weeds and planting natives to restore their whenua. Ngāti Hinerangi’s Wairere Mahi project has been trapping around the Wairere falls, and restoring a nearby system of lakes. The projects were born from the Jobs for Nature fund established by the government during the Covid-19 pandemic. But with that fund now finished where will the money to support future conservation work come from? The Manaaki Kaimai Mamuku Trust supporting these projects has some ideas.

Sign up to the Our Changing World monthly newsletter for episode backstories, science analysis and more.

Learn more:

• Jobs for Nature also supported an iwi-led wetland restoration project just outside Dunedin.
• In 2024 The Detail spoke to a number of Jobs for Nature supported projects that were nearing the end of their funding.
• The Turning Point video series followed some of the kaimahi working on different Jobs for Nature projects across Aotearoa.
• Country Life’s Dollars for Nature episode covered the government announcement about voluntary nature credits market. 

Guests:

• Louise Saunders, CEO of Manaaki Kaimai Mamuku Trust
• Mohi Korohina, Wairere Mahi project manager
• Hera Denton, GoEco

Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details