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When you visit the newly updated Tiaki Tāmaki Makaurau | Conservation Auckland website, you’re stepping into more than just a page of information; you’re entering a space where mana whenua provides guidance for community conservation within their rohe (tribal area).
It’s a powerful reminder that protecting the environment in Tāmaki Makaurau isn’t just a technical task, it’s a deeply cultural, ancestral and collaborative journey.
This important addition to the website marks the latest chapter in an evolving partnership between Auckland Council and mana whenua.
An Auckland Council Senior Community Advisor, Sandra Jack, says we’ve always known caring for the environment is about relationships.
“The new content makes it easier for people to connect with mana whenua and understand their role as kaitiaki while supporting our shared conservation goals.
“This journey recognises mātauranga (knowledge), not as an add-on, but as a foundation pillar for environmental stewardship.”
The content wasn’t created in isolation. It was co-designed with the Interim Mana Whenua Engagement Forum, with guidance from representatives Gavin Anderson (Ngaati Whanaunga) and Adrian Pettit (Te Ākitai Waiohua).
The result: a more authentic reflection of iwi values, bringing to life stories of place, practices of care and the wisdom of generations.
“Kua eke te wā, me noho mātāmua ko te whakaaro nui ki te Taiao i ngā mahi katoa.
“No longer will things happen without consideration of the impact within te taiao,” (nā Hokimai-Anahera Rosieur, Ngāti Manuhiri).
Samantha Hill, General Manager of Environmental Services, sees the website as more than a communications tool.
“This project has given us an opportunity to respond to mana whenua aspirations, learn from mana whenua and be trusted to safely share the knowledge with the wider community,” she says.
“This isn’t just about a website—it’s about how we work together,” Sandra adds.
Highlights of the initiative include relevant information on iwi of the region and how to engage with them, new imagery celebrating te taiao (the natural world), the integration of Te Haumanu Taiao tohu (emblem) of restoration and care and richer explanations of kaitiakitanga (the spiritual and cultural environmental practices).
In a world where people are increasingly aware of our environmental impact, this collaboration offers a way forward. It shows what’s possible when relationships are built on trust, respect and a willingness to partner. Mana whenua, council and community are united in care for the whenua and future generations.
For more information visit the Tiaki Tāmaki Makaurau website.