A significant investment in the future of Northland’s iconic kauri forests has been announced, with Foundation North committing more than $1.2 million to support iwi-led protection efforts across Te Tai Tokerau.
The funding will support the Kauri Ora Iwi CoLab, a collaboration involving Te Roroa, Ngāti Kuri, Te Rarawa and Ngāti Wai, enabling four Kauri Ora Ranger teams to continue their work protecting kauri forests from disease and environmental threats over the next year.
The Kauri Ora programme focuses on combating kauri dieback disease through monitoring, treatment, education and community engagement, while drawing on both mātauranga Māori and scientific approaches to safeguard the health of the ngahere.
Kauri dieback remains one of the most serious threats facing New Zealand’s ancient kauri trees. The disease attacks the roots of kauri, restricting the tree’s ability to absorb water and nutrients, and has devastated forests in several regions of the country.
Supporters of the initiative say the funding recognises the critical role iwi play as kaitiaki of these taonga species and strengthens long-term efforts to protect some of Aotearoa’s most significant natural and cultural treasures.
The programme extends beyond disease management, with Kauri Ora also investing heavily in community education. Earlier this year, the partnership launched Te Ara Mātauranga o Te Kauri, a mobile educational resource designed to bring kauri protection messages directly to schools, whānau and communities throughout Northland.
Foundation North says the investment reflects a commitment to supporting iwi-led environmental initiatives that deliver benefits for both ecosystems and communities.
The collaboration is being viewed as a model of how iwi, funders, councils, government agencies and local communities can work together to protect vulnerable ecosystems while strengthening local leadership and stewardship.
For the iwi involved, the mission remains clear: ensuring future generations inherit healthy forests, thriving kauri and a stronger connection to the whenua and ngahere of Te Tai Tokerau.
