March 28, 2023
Marae conservation programme makes long term impact
A central North Island secondary school conservation leadership programme is back in action after a Covid-enforced break.
The annual week-long Kiwi Forever programme at Tirorangi Marae in Karioi south of Ohakune has been turning out future conservation leaders since 2006.
Keith Wood of Ngāti Rangi says the programme has proved itself year after year by showing rangatahi what they can do and what leadership looks like.
“You meet people along the way who were on the programme 10 years ago and they’re still out there trapping stoats or planting trees and doing mahi that helps support helping papatuanuku to heal,” he says.
He would also like to think programme graduates are more likely to support Maori initiatives and leadership.