Building ResilienceThe Forest Bridge Trust at the Kaipara Moana Partnership Forum
On Monday, 24 March, the Forest Bridge Trust (TFBT) had the privilege of co-hosting the Kaipara Moana Partnership Forum at Te Aroha Pā Marae. The event brought together around 60 participants from across Rodney and Kaipara, including Ngāti Whātua o Kaipara representatives, local farmers, conservationists, and key stakeholders from agencies such as Northland Regional Council, Auckland Council, Kaipara District Council, and organisations like KMR, QEII National Trust, and Fonterra.
A Day of Insights and Connection
The forum focused on building resilience in farms, communities, and natural ecosystems. The morning featured insightful keynote presentations from experts sharing their knowledge on sustainability, conservation, and land management:
- Burke Steel – Building Resilience in Hill Country Farming
- Katie Forno, Hamish Stewart & Angela Parkin – Te Repo – Kei Konei Tonu Au (The Wetland – I Am Still Here)
- Ana Christmas – Building Resilience within Te Taiao
- Additional contributions came from speakers representing KMR, QEII National Trust, Auckland Council, and other leading conservation initiatives
The significance of wetland preservation was powerfully underscored by Katie Forno, while Sue Meszaros and Karyn Maddren highlighted the strength of community collaboration in overcoming environmental challenges. Derryn Jakobi provided an eye-opening discussion on Auckland’s biodiversity crisis, emphasizing the urgent need for action.
Several speakers also outlined funding opportunities available to landowners, including:
- QEII’s ‘Protecting the Gains’ initiative in partnership with KMR
- TFBT and KMR Fencing & Planting Grants
- TFBT and Auckland Council’s funding for protecting and enhancing Auckland’s special places
Collaborative Solutions Through Workshop Discussions
Following the morning’s presentations, the afternoon was dedicated to a workshop led by TFBT CEO Ana Christmas. This session encouraged participants to tap into their collective energy, knowledge, and experiences to identify challenges in environmental work and explore potential solutions. The workshop was designed to inspire collaboration and ideation around aspirations and goals for Te Taiao. As Ana reflected, “The afternoon workshop provided space for the wisdom within the room to weave connection and collaboration.”
Cultural Enrichment and TFBT’s Role
A powerful cultural overlay was woven throughout the event by Tamati Patuwai, ensuring a deeper connection to the Kaupapa. His korero brought Māori perspectives and traditional ecological knowledge into the discussions on environmental restoration and land management. By exploring the connections between land, water, and people, he emphasised the role of kaitiakitanga in protecting the health of Kaipara Moana. These cultural insights provided a framework to ensure that all actions taken respect the natural world and our responsibilities as guardians.
The Forest Bridge Trust was honoured to support the event, with our team—including Elena, Paula, Claire, Karen, Charlie, and Michelle—actively participating in the pōwhiri and providing support throughout the day.
The forum underscored the shared commitment of those working across conservation, farming, and land management to build resilience in the Kaipara Moana region. With the insights gained and the connections strengthened, TFBT remains dedicated to continuing this important mahi, supporting landowners, and enhancing natural ecosystems for future generations.
Looking Ahead
The discussions and relationships formed at this event will help drive further collaboration and action. The Forest Bridge Trust looks forward to working alongside our partners to bring these ideas to life, ensuring a sustainable and thriving future for the Kaipara Moana region.
For more information on how Kaipara Moana Remediation can support landowners in building resilience, get in touch with our team.
- Katie Forno: katie@theforestbridgetrust.org.nz
- Angela Parkin: angela@theforestbridgetrust.org.nz
- Hamish Stewart: hamish@theforestbridgetrust.org.nz