What is the Waiheke Marine Project (WMP)?
A collaborative iwi and Waiheke community-led project, aiming to protect and regenerate Waiheke Island's marine environment through the use of action-based kaitiakitanga (guardianship).
What are the Goals?
• Foster an ongoing, inclusive and consensus driven conversation about the health of the Waiheke Island marine space.
• Increase trust across the island's diverse interests and resilience in the island community
• Raise visibility of Ngāti Paoa on Waiheke Island
• Build youth capacity for sustainable environmental care
• Coordinate action for marine regeneration on Waiheke Island
• Recommend options for Ahu Moana*on Waiheke
Why is the Waiheke Marine Project important?
Because we love the sea and wish to protect the Hauraki Gulf (Tikapa Moana) which is a globally significant biodiversity hotspot, that encompasses a wide range of activities (fishing, diving, snorkelling sailing etc.) with diverse communities that have their own values and connection with the Gulf.
How does it relate to Sea Change?
The needs of Waiheke Island were recognised as different in Sea Change 2016 (Tai Timu Tai Pari), which delivered a marine spatial plan for the whole Gulf. In the Sea Change plan, there were no specific plans for Waiheke Island and Aotea-Great Barrier Island. The Stakeholder Working Group considered that any marine protection proposals should be developed by the communities themselves. It is important to note that this is not simply a ‘where to put a marine reserve’ discussion. We are committed to using all available tools and ideas to develop the Ahu Moana strategy for Waiheke Island.
Who is behind the Waiheke Marine Project ?
The Waiheke Collective hosts the Waiheke Marine Project. A new sub-group of the Collective was formed in April 2019 to collaborate around the Marine Environment, and this group now dedicates itself to the Waiheke Marine Project.
How will it work?
The Waiheke Marine Project will work by inviting island voices to speak for the sea. At the core of the project is investigation of the action that is needed to protect our marine environment.
What are events?
Talking and listening will happen at three huis/big gatherings and the outcomes of these events will be put to the wider community for consultation:
• Ngāti Paoa Wananga 3-5 April 2020 * POSTPONED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE*
• Youth Marine Hui – Sunday 5 April 2020 * POSTPONED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE*
• Future Search – 1-3 May at Piritahi Marae, a by-invitation event involving voices from the various stakeholders in Waiheke’s marine space * POSTPONED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE*
• see www.waihekecollective.org/marinehome
How can I get involved?
• Talk about the WMP with friends and family, at school and at work, in your clubs and when you are out sailing and fishing
• Volunteer to help with promoting the WMP
• Come along to one of our community events (film night, rock-pool walk, snorkelling day)
• Participate in a major event – the Youth Hui and/or Future Search
• Donate Funding and Sponsorship
What funding and sponsorship is needed for the Waiheke Marine Project ?
The year-long Waiheke Marine Project has successfully attracted some funding yet additional support of up to $50K is still needed to ensure success of the Future Search event and post event communications and engagement. All donations, sponsorship and offers of gifts in kind are gratefully received.
The Hauraki Gulf Conservation Trust is managing the funds for the WMP.
What is Future Search?
Future Search is a globally utilised, large scale planning event which brings the ‘whole system’ into the room. It is an action based, facilitated, programme to find common ground across diverse voices. The multi day Future Search event from 1-3rd May will bring together approximately 70 people to dialogue, reach common ground and agree action to protect and regenerate the marine environment of Waiheke Island. The event is by-invitation to 70 people, a number that achieves the sweet spot of diversity and practicality to dialogue with multiple voices.
The Future Search planning group of 10 diverse voices will choose the 70 Future Search participants after a period of ‘casting the net wide’ for voices from iwi, fishers & boaties, scientists, marine commercial operators, land interests, youth, conservationists, agencies & politicians and Waiheke locals.
What has happened so far?
• Establishment of 3 work streams
• Public Hui held on 15th August 2019
• DOC has partnered with the Waiheke Collective for a Marine project
• Successful grant application to GIFT
• Ngāti Paoa ki Waiheke (Iwi work stream) building connections
• Public awareness campaign begins. Video released.
• Engagement with marine stakeholders
• Future Search event date agreed for 1-3 May 2020