Mahi Whakahī
What We do
We unite and collaborate with Kaitiaki across Aotearoa to nurture Safe Places, Healthy Waters, and Healthy People. We aim to replenish spaces like the Pūniu River, embracing traditional Māori wisdom and modern science. And we’re aspiring for a swimmable condition within ten years.
Our role in this collective journey extends from Te Wai Pounamu to Te Ika a Maui. That’s nationwide, e te whānau! We aim to shift attitudes and behaviours toward water stewardship.
We're committed to planting native trees, acknowledging their vital role in climate change mitigation and water resource management. These trees are critical in rural areas for flood control and water quality preservation and in urban settings for improving air quality, providing cooling shade, and lifting biodiversity.
With our proven work delivery model for large scale native tree propagation and planting projects, we have developed the skills and processes to a professional scale to become a local leading native nursery, supplying and planting various environment projects throughout the Waikato.
Through a unique Pūniu Inc learning and development programme, our kaimahi grow to become experienced horticulture and river enhancement project workers. Our funded projects are led by our in-house team with experienced planting and maintenance crews focusing on key areas throughout the region.
Pūniu Inc have grown over 3.5 million trees, planted throughout the Waipā, King Country and Waikato regions.
We’ve also received numerous awards over the short time of being in this industry, which reinforces the importance of this kaupapa nationwide. Awards received include Catchment Group of the year at the Balance Farm Environment Awards, Cawthron New Zealand River Award, Whakapono Award at the Kawenata Awards in Maniapoto, runners up at the MPI Good Employer Awards and Kiwibank NZ Local Hero of the Year, which was awarded to Shannon Te Huia.
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1. Eco-sourced seed collecting
An eco-sourced seed is a seed that has the ability to naturally occur within the planting zones also known as Rākau whenua - able to have their whakapapa traced back to the area. We look for established ngahere and go out to collect the seeds ourselves. All of our seeds are sourced, tracked and traced so that we know where they came from and where they can be replanted.
2. Seed prep
Our seeds are then carefully hand processed with many different techniques needed for the different species we collect. They are labeled and stored in a temperature controlled climate until it comes time to sow them.
3. Seed sowing
Our seeds are broadcast sown into their soil trays and stored in our prop shed to germinate. Some species are direct sown into tray cells and put straight out on the hard stand.
4. Germination
Once sown, our trays sit in the prop shed under an irrigation system to germinate
5. Propagation
Once in seedling stage they are pricked out and up potted into larger trays and are then taken to sit under our green shade house to gradually expose the seedlings to the elements. When ready, they are taken to a new area on the hardstand to have full exposure to the elements which helps them to fully adapt to our climate and allows for less of a shock when they are taken to their new home to be planted
6. Site prep
A site instruction plan is prepared which includes site access points, health and safety risk assessment, weed management priorities, plant schedule, number of plants, grades and spacing. Primary vegetation clearance is undertaken prior to planting at each site to clear pest weeds in preparation for planting.
7. Planting
Planting is usually carried out between the months of April and October. Plants are loaded up at the nursery and taken to site, our aim is to transfer our plants weed and pest free. Once on site, the plants are laid out according to the specifications of the site instruction plan. The rest of the team then follow behind, and put the trees in the ground.
8. Maintenance
Aftercare includes: reduction of returning weeds from seeding or regeneration, checking plant health, healing in if disturbed after planting by animals or flood uplifting. Manual weed control involves cutting down, grubbing or digging out of weeds. Follow on maintenance includes reduction, hand pulling and hand releasing of planting site.
Pūniu River Care Inc. (PRC) is an established marae-based river care group, an incorporated society and a New Zealand registered charity. Established in 2015 by Shannon Te Huia (Ngāti Paretekawa, Ngāti Maniapoto), with the foundations laid supported by the four marae along the Pūniu Awa, including Mangatoatoa Pā, Rāwhitiroa / Ōwairaka Marae, Aotearoa Marae and Whakamaramara Marae; PRC has become a reputable organisation within the industry over the years.
The Society formed by Shannon Te Huia (Spatial Engineer-Maniapoto Māori Trust Board), was done so under the mentorship of Harrold Maniapoto, John Roa (Kaumātua), James Bailey (Board member- Sustainable Coastlines New Zealand) and Sam Judd (founder and chief executive officer of Sustainable Coastlines, New Zealand). In July 2015, a hui with key stakeholders was held to assist in the development of a vision and strategy for the Pūniu River Catchment. Around 40 representatives from a range of key organisations attended. PRC is currently finalising a new long term strategy broken into five year segments and look forward to sharing this with you.
Our core values ground us in our journey to create safe, thriving environments where healthy waters sustain vibrant communities across Aotearoa. Guided by these principles, we are committed to restoring and protecting our land, water, and people, ensuring a sustainable and prosperous future for generations to come.
View our valuesNgā UaraOur Values
Our core values ground us in our journey to create safe, thriving environments where healthy waters sustain vibrant communities across Aotearoa.
Guided by these principles, we are committed to restoring and protecting our land, water, and people, ensuring a sustainable and prosperous future for generations to come.
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Āwhina MaiGet Involved Today
WHATUNGARONGARO HE TANGATA TOITŪ TE WHENUAThe land and plants will remain when the people are gone
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