Empowering Future Kaitiaki: Youth-led Climate Action Along Te Puhinui Awa

As part of Mahuru Māori, over 100 students from 18 South Auckland schools gathered for a bilingual hīkoi (guided walk) along the Puhinui Stream, led by local iwi Ngāti Te Ata Waiohua. This enriching event aimed to reconnect rangatahi (youth) with both the land’s cultural heritage and critical environmental practices, blending mātauranga Māori (Māori knowledge) with modern sustainability efforts.

With support from Auckland Council, the hīkoi encouraged tamariki (young people) to learn environmental restoration firsthand. Through activities such as native planting, water monitoring, and understanding environmental tohu (signs), students were empowered to help restore Te Puhinui Stream. For Ngāti Te Ata Waiohua, these experiences are about instilling kaitiakitanga (guardianship) in future generations, ensuring they understand their role in protecting the whenua (land) and awa (waterways).

Erana Whaiapu, Auckland Council’s Senior Māori Advisor, emphasised,

“This kaupapa is about collective knowledge and passing it down to the next generation. By learning the tohu (signs) of the environment and hearing the kōrero and pūrākau (stories) from iwi, these students are being empowered to take action on climate change and care for the whenua.”

Te Pu-a-Nga Maara, a local organization dedicated to restoring the stream, has been leading annual hīkoi since 2018. Despite ongoing challenges, such as pollution from nearby businesses, they continue to work with rangatahi, teaching the importance of kaitiakitanga. Krissy Bishop, a leader at Te Pu-a-Nga Maara, explained,

“One of the biggest causes of pollution in the awa is the waste from local businesses, and we need to address that as a community.” 

Local Councillor Alf Filipaina sees this initiative as a key step in enabling young people to lead environmental restoration efforts.

“Our tamariki hold the future of te taiao (the environment) in their hands. It’s crucial that we create opportunities for them to connect with the whenua and lead responses to the environmental challenges we face in Tāmaki Makaurau,” he said.

This hīkoi is a powerful example of how mātauranga Māori can drive meaningful, hands-on climate action, empowering youth to become lifelong kaitiaki for a healthier Tāmaki Makaurau.