Kauri Track Ambassadors, Training and Governance

Written By Nikki

The Kauri Track Ambassadors lead the public advocacy work, connecting with the community, schools, marae, hapū, iwi and government agencies. Engagement with the general public will be at all access points to the Kaimai forest within the project area of Kaimai Kauri. The various responsibilities and mahi will consist of undertaking Kauri Dieback advocacy at DOC tracks with the general public and track users, and also ensuring that track users are aware of their obligations to keep the Kaimai Ranges protected from kauri dieback. Other work will include wash station maintenance. Public advocacy includes community wide Kauri dieback advocacy work which involves community group presentations, school presentations and wider engagement with research agencies to advance the Kaupapa..

Training Completed:

  • Essential First Aid

  • Myrtle rust and Kauri dieback Plant Pathogen

  • CIMS Training

  • Growsafe

  • Chainsaw Safety Certificate Unit Standard 6916, 6917, 43

  • 4x4 Training

  • Basics of High Performance Predator Control Course

  • Predator Trapping Methos Micro-credential

  • Essential First Aid Unit Standards 6402,6401 or 26551,26552

  • Comprehensive First Aid Unit Standards CPRL2

  • Workplace First Aid Unit Standards 6400,6401.6402

  • Outdoor First Aid Unit Standard 424

Goverenance

Kaimai Kauri LTD will be the primary contractor and fund holder to the MKMT and DOC for the delivery of outcomes and services. The Company, Kaimai Kauri LTD will be 50% owned by Ngati te Wai Hapū Settlement Trust and 50% owned by Te Whanau a Tauwhao ki Otawhiwhi Hapū Settlement Trust. The two hapū Chairs will sit as directors on the company representing their respective hapū entity and membership register. The General Manager (GM) will be Riki Nelson who has been leading the kauri protection kaupapa on behalf of mana whenua for over 4 years and has over 20 years of project management experience. The role will come with hapū mandates representing the hapū in biosecurity and biodiversity management. The Administration role will be full time supporting the GM with monthly reports to MKMT, DOC and the hapu governance boards and directors. This structure will allow Kaimai Kauri to focus on kauri protection, biosecurity and track maintenance across the kauri forests and to be proactive in biodiversity management including pest control in the northern section of Kaimai Mamaku achieving the hapu’s aspirations as kaitiaki.

Nikki