Healing the Hauraki takes centre stage at Moana Auckland, New Zealand’s Ocean Festival

Ngāti Manuhiri Settlement Trust is celebrating the start of Moana Auckland, New Zealand’s Ocean Festival with today’s release of the third and final episode of the Heal the Hauraki docuseries: Moana (Ocean).

Nicola Rata-MacDonald MNZM, Chief Executive of the Trust, says that the protection and restoration of the taiao (environment) is a core pillar of the Trust’s work as kaitiaki (guardians).

“As kaitiaki, we have worked for years to protect and restore Te Moananui-ā-Toi. To have that mahi captured in such an uplifting and inspiring way is a testament to the work of the many people who have worked across the Gulf for decades” Nicola says.

“We mihi to the mana whenua, communities and NGOs who are working to reverse the human impacts on the Gulf, and give our wai a fighting chance to ensure it is stable enough to support us now and into the future.”

Co-Producer and Co-Director of Heal the Hauraki, Mandy Kupenga, says the Heal the Hauraki docuseries is supported by a social media campaign inviting people into the kōrero, empowering individuals to step forward and contribute to collective action to heal our moana.

“There are so many pathways that we can all be part of to rejuvenate and revitalise the mauri, the living essence, of Tīkapa Moana/Te Moananui-ā-Toi/the Hauraki Gulf” Mandy says.

“By sharing the stories of inspiring leaders, experts, passionate rangatahi, and communities who care through action, Heal the Hauraki reminds us that love is a powerful healer. These are stories of hope, rising from land and sea, calling us back into a relationship with the moana — a reminder that it holds us all, and that caring for it is woven into who we are.”

Co-Producer and Co-Director of Heal the Hauraki, Cassie Roma, says this kaupapa is a celebration of the many years of work by communities across the Gulf.

“Episode three opens a new chapter for Heal the Hauraki — an invitation to learn, to grow, and to reconnect with the moana and with one another. As restoration work continues across the Gulf, this kaupapa creates space for communities to step closer, lend their hands, and be part of a collective effort that honours and protects this taonga for generations to come” Cassie says.

Heal the Hauraki has been officially endorsed as a UN Ocean Decade activity, and was produced thanks to funding and support from Foundation North, UNESCO, Clare Foundation, the Bethell Family Partnership, and the Mahurangi West Community.

You can watch all three episodes of Heal the Hauraki at https://www.healthehauraki.com/episodes