25/06/2026
There are journeys that take you to new places, and then there are journeys that touch your spirit and stay with you forever.
Over ten incredible days, the Binalup and Tambellup Rangers had the privilege of travelling to Aotearoa, New Zealand, as part of the Australia–New Zealand Indigenous Biosecurity and Conservation Partnership Knowledge Exchange.
From the moment we arrived we were welcomed not as visitors, but as whānau (family). Through every marae, every community, every forest, every shared meal and every conversation, we experienced a generosity of spirit that made us feel like we were home.
A special and heartfelt thank you to Mita, Tania and Danielle who were our Moorditj (Deadly) hosts, and the many Māori people who welcomed us onto their Country and into their communities. Thank you for sharing your culture, your language, your stories, your environmental knowledge and your deep connection to your ancestors and lands. The warmth, kindness and hospitality shown throughout our journey will never be forgotten.
This exchange brought together Indigenous peoples from both sides of the Tasman, united through a shared commitment to Country, culture, conservation, and community. We extend our deepest gratitude to Mita and Tania for their leadership and vision in creating this meaningful cultural exchange. Together with the Binalup and Tambellup Rangers, the Jinibarra Peoples, the Bunya Mountain Peoples and many more, we shared knowledge, strengthened connections, and built relationships that will continue to grow long into the future.
Despite the ocean that separates us, we found many shared values and challenges — caring for Country, respecting our Elders, protecting cultural knowledge, and ensuring future generations remain connected to who they are and where they come from.
We walked through ancient forests, stood beneath giant Kauri trees, learnt about traditional navigation, visited significant cultural sites, listened to stories passed down through generations and explored innovative conservation and biosecurity projects led by Māori communities.
Throughout the journey there were moments of reflection, laughter, learning and connection. We witnessed firsthand the strength and resilience of Māori culture and the pride with which communities continue to care for their whenua (land), ngahere (forest) and taonga (treasures).
To everyone who welcomed us, shared a hongi, sat beside us at the dinner table, guided us through forests, shared stories around the fire, and opened their hearts and homes to us — thank you.
The friendships formed, the lessons learnt and the relationships strengthened through this exchange will continue long after we have returned home.
From all of us at Binalup and Tambellup Rangers — thank you Aotearoa, and thank you to all those who made this journey possible.
Until we meet again Aotearoa.
Kauri
Kauri Management Agency
Mountain People’s
People’s
Rangers
Rangers
