Te Kohuroa Rewilding

08/06/2026

Happy World Oceans Day! Today we celebrate our community, mana whenua, and project partners, who are continuing to support the health of the ocean and the return of rimurimu (seaweed) at Te Kohuroa Matheson Bay.

Citizen-led and scientific monitoring shows that kelp and algal cover has more than doubled since volunteer kina harvesting began within TKRI's restoration site two years ago. We're also measuring a decrease in kina, suggesting that ongoing volunteer harvesting is helping to rebalance this key species and create space for kelp forests to recover.

These results are a reminder that when people come together to care for the moana, positive change is possible.

04/06/2026

Kākahi / Freshwater Mussels are small but mighty animals that are made of two brown-black shells with a soft body inside.

When they are young, these mussels move through the stream by attaching to a nearby fish for several weeks before dropping off upstream to settle. As adults, they use a strong muscular 'foot' to bury themselves under the stream sediment.

Kākahi have the amazing ability to filter bacteria and plankton out of the water for food, acting as a natural water cleaner.

Sadly, these mussels are on the decline because of habitat loss and disturbance. Protecting them means protecting the health of our waterways.

27/05/2026

What a way to wrap up the 2025-26 rewilding season! 🩵

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us for our Community Consultation Day. From presentations and panel discussions, to community polls and thoughtful conversations, it was amazing to reflect on how much has been achieved together this season.

We loved hearing your ideas and hopes for the future of Te Kohuroa Matheson Bay. We're feeling grateful, inspired, and excited for what's ahead. 🦭✔️

06/05/2026

You’re invited to join us for the Community Consultation Day on 23rd May! Register for free below.

🌿 🌊 Community Consultation Day 🌿 🌊
Saturday 23rd May -10.00am - 1.30pm | Leigh Community Hall

Join Te Kohuroa Rewilding and a panel of guest speakers to learn about the outcomes of the 2025-26 rewilding season, and have your say in the future of marine restoration at Te Kohuroa Matheson Bay.

This season has brought together an incredible mix of community volunteers, organisations and conservation experts, all working to improve the health and wellbeing of the freshwater catchment and marine ecosystem. We invite you to come along and celebrate the project’s achievements. Lunch will be provided. Sign up for FREE through the link below!

https://events.humanitix.com/te-kohuroa-rewilding-community-consultation-day-2026

04/05/2026

Take a look at this inspiring video from our friends at Young Ocean Explorers, and show your support for the future of the moana by sending a letter to the Prime Minister (link below)!

01/05/2026

A small group of experienced scuba divers joined us at Te Kohuroa Matheson Bay for an advanced restoration dive earlier this month.

Working in the deeper parts of the restoration zone, the team completed the final kina removal event of the season — an important step in giving native kelp the space it needs to recover and thrive.

Local kaitiaki (guardian) Zane distributed the harvested kina to whanau and community.

This mahi wouldn’t have been possible without the support of our friends at Goat Island Dive & Snorkel, and the dedication of our skilled volunteer divers.

Every community event like this brings us one step closer to restoring a healthy, thriving marine ecosystem at Te Kohuroa 🌿

22/04/2026

Local tamariki (children) came together with Auckland Council and TKRI in early April for a Biodiversity Schools Day at Te Kohuroa Matheson Bay.

The day focused on building rewilding knowledge and exploring te taiao (environment) through a mātauranga Māori (knowledge) lens.

Activities included a hīkoi (walk) through the freshwater catchment to identify native plants, traditional games, and a moana (ocean) exploration of the sandy shore.

With support from parents and teachers from Leigh School and Pakiri School, it was a day full of connection, learning, and respect for te taiao.

(Photos: Mackenzie Hiebendaal)

18/04/2026

🌿 🌊 Community Consultation Day 🌿 🌊
Saturday 23rd May -10.00am - 1.30pm | Leigh Community Hall

Join Te Kohuroa Rewilding and a panel of guest speakers to learn about the outcomes of the 2025-26 rewilding season, and have your say in the future of marine restoration at Te Kohuroa Matheson Bay.

This season has brought together an incredible mix of community volunteers, organisations and conservation experts, all working to improve the health and wellbeing of the freshwater catchment and marine ecosystem. We invite you to come along and celebrate the project’s achievements. Lunch will be provided. Sign up for FREE through the link below!

https://events.humanitix.com/te-kohuroa-rewilding-community-consultation-day-2026

14/04/2026

🌊 Young people taking action for Te Taiao! 🌊

TKRI recently teamed up with Recreate, a charitable trust supporting rangatahi (young people) with disabilities through adventure, recreation and education. Their programs create opportunities for participants to build confidence and connection with the environment and community.

The Recreate team joined TKRI to learn about the kelp restoration project and take a guided tour through the Goat Island Marine Discovery Centre. The group learned about marine conservation research projects, then put their environmental knowledge to the test with a scavenger hunt and a solution design challenge.

The day provided a chance for young people to get together, learn, and take an active role in thinking about how te taiao works and what it needs to be healthy in the future. We look forward to hosting more rangatahi with Recreate in the future!

07/04/2026

🌊 Ranger Training Day! 🌊

Tuesday 28th April - 7 - 8.30 pm | Online

Join TKRI's Rewilding Rangers to learn skills that will enable you to become more involved in the project, both in and out of the water. The night will include updates on recent rewilding activities, practical training in citizen science around the bay, and a special guest speaker. This event is for both current and new Rangers.

As part of the Ranger program, you will have the chance to access additional training, participate in rewilding action groups, and get involved in the in-depth restoration processes that contribute to long-term project goals. You also get to build knowledge and skills that support your own conservation journeys.

If you have not already signed up for the Rewilding Ranger program, please fill out the Volunteer Form before securing your ticket through the links below!

Volunteer form: https://www.tekohuroarewilding.org/volunteer
Sign up on our events page: https://www.tekohuroarewilding.org/schedule