A busy quarter for Tapuika

In just three months Tapuika have welcomed two new kaimahi, hosted wananga for sister projects, completed cultural and toxin training, as well as taking the time to share kai with their neighbours.

Full update below:

• Raponi Wilson took over project oversight late last year to provide strategic direction. Kataraina Williams-McLean joined the team as Kaitautoko Hinonga Taiao, providing great value to the team by overseeing day-to-day operations and implementing the workplan.

• Waiting on analysis of pekapeka monitoring by Rebecca Stirnemann - recordings have indicated the presence of this taonga!

• The project group spent the day spent with Te Wahapū o Waihī students, teaching them about trapping. This was great opportunity to connect with rangatahi keen on conservation and show the mahi we do. All students received a historical and cultural kōrero from our project lead and field kaimahi shared their knowledge on how to target different animals using traps, health and safety and other insight into working in the ngahere.

• The tīma engaged with surrounding landowners by laying a hangi and sharing kai.

• Cultural training/haerenga on the Waiari with Dean Flavell where the team identified cultural recognition sites that can be applied to identifiying key spots in their project area.

• Since project inception, almost 1,000 native seedlings have been planted.

• All kaimahi have now completed toxin training with Department of Conservation and everyone has gained a Controlled Substance Licence (CSL).

Tiki from Tapuika teaching a Te Wahapū o Waihī student how to lay a trap.