27/05/2026
Pūniu River Care is often described as a hapū-led organisation, and that’s true. Our kaupapa is grounded right next the pā, we belong to our hapū, and our responsibility to the people and places of the Pūniu River catchment.
But being hapū-led does not mean we have walked this journey alone.
From the very beginning, this kaupapa was shaped by many people who believed local people should be empowered to solve local challenges. Mentors, practitioners, whānau, iwi leaders, environmental experts, funders, community organisations, landowners and supporters have all contributed to what Pūniu River Care is today.
People such as the late Alan Livingston, Uncle Harold Maniapoto, Uncle Jock Roa, Dan Te Huia, Bryan Newton, Derek Roberts, Hone Hughes, Sam Judd, James Bailey, Don Scarlett, Fred Lichtwark and Grant Blackie have all helped guide and influence our thinking over the years. Their support, advice and belief in this model have left a lasting mark on our organisation.
We also acknowledge the unwavering support of Waikato-Tainui. Since the early days of this kaupapa in 2014, Waikato-Tainui has stood alongside us, supporting our vision and helping us navigate the journey. Their commitment has been instrumental in our growth and success.
The marae within the Pūniu River catchment – Mangatoatoa, Rāwhitiroa, Aotearoa and Whakamārama – remain at the heart of who we are. Every marae carries many responsibilities and priorities, and each engages in this kaupapa in different ways and at different times. We respect that reality. Our role is to keep the door open, create opportunities, and ensure our whānau and hapū have pathways to participate in restoring the awa and caring for our taiao.
What makes this model unique is that decisions are made close to the people and places affected by them. It is a decentralised approach to environmental restoration, built on relationships, local knowledge, and long-term commitment. It creates employment, develops skills, strengthens communities, and delivers restoration outcomes that are meaningful to the people who call this catchment home.
As we reflect on the journey so far, we are reminded that while Pūniu River Care is hapū-led, it has always been strengthened by kotahitanga. The success of this kaupapa belongs to everyone who has contributed their time, knowledge, resources and support.
Ngā mihi nui to the marae, whānau, staff, volunteers, private landowners, Sustainable Coastlines, Whaingaroa Harbour Care, Waikato-Tainui, Waikato Raupatu River Trust, Waikato River Authority, Waikato Regional Council, Waipā District Council, Ministry for the Environment, Te Puni Kōkiri, Ministry of Social Development, Department of Corrections, Trust Waikato, Momentum Waikato, Waikato Ecological Enhancement Trust, Mercury, and the many others who have supported this kaupapa over the years.
Together, we continue working towards our vision:
Safe places. Healthy water. Healthy people.
