Korehāhā Whakahau

02/09/2026

We’re proud to see Korehāhā Whakahau featured in the latest DOC Conservation Blog, highlighting how mātauranga Māori and western science can work alongside each other to strengthen conservation outcomes in our rohe.
Korehāhā Whakahau is about bringing together knowledge, innovation and lived experience to support the health and mauri of te taiao. 💚
He kaupapa nā Ngāti Awa, mō Ngāti Awa. 🌿

Read the full article below 👇

Korehāhā Whakahau is a predator-free project led by Ngāti Awa. It is creating employment opportunities for young people to help protect native wildlife.

23/07/2026

A huge mihi to the rōpū representing Te Whare Wānanga O Awanuiārangi, Te Rūnanga O Ngāti Awa and Te Tohu o te Ora o Ngāti Awa at the Yilan International Children’s Folklore & Folkgame Festival in Taiwan 🇹🇼

We are especially excited to see two of our Korehāhā Whakahau whānau ,Sieanna Walker and Genesis O’Sullivan making the journey to Taiwan. What an incredible opportunity to share our reo and Ngāti Awatanga with the world. 💪🏽

Haere pai, noho haumaru! 🌿✈️

17/07/2026

Korehāhā Whakahau Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Awa remain alert and ready to adapt in the wake of the first two confirmed cases of the H5N1 flu strain reported by Te Manatū Ahu Matua (MPI). Current advice to the public is:

▶️ Keep your distance. Stay away from sick or dead wildlife. Keep pets away too.
▶️ Keep clean. Wash your hands and clean your gear after being outdoors.
▶️ Know when to report. If you see three or more sick or dead birds or wildlife, report them to the exotic pest and disease hotline on 0800 80 99 66 from anywhere in New Zealand or online at report.mpi.govt.nz
▶️ If you report online, select the ‘dead or dying wild birds’ option from the dropdown list and then the type of bird you have found.
▶️ Don’t handle or move the birds.
▶️ Provide as much information as possible, including:
· common name or species of sick or dead bird if known
· how many are sick or freshly dead, and the total number of birds present
· a GPS reading or other precise location information
· photographs and videos of sick and dead birds

More information about H5 bird flu and the work New Zealand is doing to prepare is available at mpi.govt.nz/hpai.

Any enquiries about the situation can be sent to: [email protected]

UPDATE 18/7 –

With the second case of H5 bird flu confirmed in a kāhu/harrier hawk in the Wairarapa yesterday, our staff in the region have moved to a higher alert status.

Our Wairarapa operations teams have been briefed and are ready to support MPI with increased surveillance and reporting.

Higher alert means staff will be continuing their work as normal but with extra caution and carrying PPE when they're in the field.

We are getting ready to activate our site response plans should they be needed in the event there is an outbreak of H5 bird flu in native wildlife in this area.

Public support on surveillance will help MPI and DOC with our response and measures to protect New Zealand's wildlife.

Read more: https://bit.ly/44BQwli
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Our staff are on alert following the detection of H5 bird flu in a single migratory brown skua this week.

We have been preparing for the arrival of bird flu for several years and have plans to mitigate risks to threatened species and public conservation land.

We’re working closely with MPI, Ministry of Health and Health New Zealand as part of a One Health approach.

For now, we remain focussed on monitoring the situation closely, finalising our readiness plans and updating our guidance.

People who spend time outdoors – including tramping, duck hunting and bird watching – can form good habits now that will help protect wildlife. Keep your distance from sick or dead wildlife, keep your gear clean, and know what to report.

Do not touch, handle or collect dead or dying birds to avoid spread of the virus and protect yourself.

Please report groups of three or more sick or dead birds, marine mammals or other wildlife to the MPI exotic pest and disease hotline: 0800 80 99 66.

Learn more: https://bit.ly/3RgvqFW

📷: Kyle Bland

02/07/2026

Protecting Moutohorā from the sky to the forest floor 🍃 Motuharapaki heli pad clearing with Te Papa Atawhai 🚁

23/06/2026

🌿 Building capability through innovation and partnership.

Korehāhā Whakahau is proud to be working alongside Critter Solutions as we trial their new AI-powered Multi Traps.
This partnership is providing our kaimahi with hands-on experience using emerging AI technology while supporting our commitment to a toxin-free approach within our taiao. Early results have shown promising rat suppression, demonstrating how innovation can strengthen predator control efforts and support biodiversity restoration.
By weaving together emerging technology, mātauranga Māori, and the experience of our kaimahi on the whenua, we are strengthening our capability as kaitiaki and creating new opportunities to protect and restore our taiao for future generations. 🌿💚

17/06/2026

🎓🧺 He mihi nui ki a Sieanna Walker! 🧺🎓

The whānau at Korehāhā Whakahau would like to acknowledge the incredible achievement of our Kaiwhakahaere, Sieanna Walker, who has recently graduated from Kāwai Raupapa | Certificate in Māori and Indigenous Art at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa
This accomplishment reflects not only her dedication to lifelong learning, but also her commitment to preserving and strengthening mātauranga māori. Through her studies, Sieanna has further deepened her knowledge and connection to the art of raranga, carrying forward the traditions and values of our tīpuna 🌱

Alongside this achievement, we acknowledge the unwavering dedication, and passion Sieanna brings to Korehāhā Whakahau every day. Her commitment to our kaupapa, our people and the protection of our taiao continues to inspire those around her, whether she's supporting our team or creating opportunities for rangatahi, she consistently leads with integrity, mana and manaakitanga 💚

🌿Tūngia te ururua, kia tupu whakaritorito te tupu o te harakeke 🌿

29/05/2026

Koro Hirini dedicated his life to the preservation and advancement of te reo Māori, tikanga Māori, and mātauranga Māori, ensuring future generations would continue to benefit from the knowledge, values, and traditions of our tīpuna.

His work has influenced countless people, organisations, and kaupapa throughout Aotearoa, including those working to protect and restore our taiao through a Māori world lens. His teachings continue to guide how we understand our responsibilities as kaitiaki and how we uphold the mana of our people, our culture, and our taiao.

At Korehāhā Whakahau, we recognise the lasting impact of his teachings, which continue to shape the way we approach kaitiakitanga and our relationship with te taiao.

On behalf of Korehāhā Whakahau, we extend our deepest condolences to his whānau, Ngāti Awa, and all those who have been touched by his life and legacy.

Moe mai rā e te rangatira.

28/05/2026

A big warm welcome to our two newest kaimahi, Taoitekura Eruera (Te Pahīpoto) and Hone Walker (Ngāi Taiwhakāea), who have recently joined the Korehāhā Whakahau team 🌿

From day one, both Taoitekura and Hone have transitioned into the team effortlessly, bringing a strong work ethic, positive attitudes, and a shared passion for the taiao. They’ve wasted no time getting stuck into the mahi and have already achieved their Basic Chainsaw Ticket, Grow Safe and 4WD certifications 👏

Their willingness to learn, support the team, and get hands-on in all aspects of our kaupapa has been awesome to see. We’re excited to continue growing alongside them as they build their skills and contribute to the important mahi happening across our rohe.

Awesome to have you both on board and part of the kaupapa 💚

15/05/2026

A huge congratulations to our four Korehāhā Whakahau kaimahi who recently graduated from Te Aka Pūtaiao Kaupae 5 (Environmental Studies Level 5) at Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi 🎓🌿
This achievement reflects the continued growth of capability, leadership, and mātauranga within our Ngāti Awa uri. Investing in our people strengthens not only Korehāhā Whakahau, but also the future of our taiao mahi and the ability for our uri to lead this kaupapa for generations to come. 🌱
A special thank you to our kaiako Lanae Cable for the guidance, support, and knowledge shared throughout this journey. Your commitment to uplifting our uri through education and kaupapa Māori learning spaces is deeply appreciated.
We also extend our congratulations to all graduates who celebrated this milestone alongside our kaimahi across the many kaupapa and programmes at Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi. What an awesome achievement for everyone involved.
We are incredibly proud of our kaimahi and the dedication they have shown balancing mahi, whānau, and study commitments. This is another step forward in building strong pathways for Ngāti Awa within te taiao, conservation, and kaitiakitanga.
Ngā mihi nui and congratulations again to our graduates, your hard mahi has paid off 👏🏽✨

30/04/2026

He wā whakahirahira mō tō mātou whānau Korehāhā Whakahau 👏🏽
Today, our Kaiarahi carried out his very first wero for the Awanuiārangi Graduation pōhiri, ahead of tomorrow’s graduation. A powerful moment that reflects courage, growth, and commitment to tikanga.
Apōpō is just as special, with him and several of our Korehāhā Whakahau whānau graduating after completing Te Aka Pūtaiao (Environmental Studies) 🌱
We’re incredibly proud to see our team growing their knowledge and strengthening their role as kaitiaki for our taiao and our people.