Pūniu River Care Inc.

Your support and partnerships make all the difference in ensuring we can continue to make an impact for our water and for our people.

Our area specific projects aim to improve water quality, the mauri of the awa as well as to restore the biodiversity within the river and contributing streams.

To find out more about this initiative, head over to our website.

https://www.puniuinc.org/get-involved

Introducing episode five of our series, now available.

The focus of our series is Te Aukaiao, meaning the current of water. At Pūniu, we unite and collaborate with Kaitaki across Aotearoa to nurture our water.

Head over to our channel and subscribe to stay up to date on episodes!

Ever wondered what you can do to make the world a better place? Start with our waters.

We all have a deep connection to the water as it has provided for our families for generations, but now they're under threat.

With your help, we can clean up, advocate, and make a change.

This is your sign to not let our waters down.

Here at PRC, we have a vision. For safe places, healthy waters and healthy people.

Every step we take towards creating cleaner, healthier waters also contributes to the larger picture of safe spaces and healthy people.

It’s all connected.

If you are ready to learn more about our journey, check out our YouTube with the link in the bio.

One of our core missions at Pūniu is to share with our rangatahi about the importance of water.

Providing them with the knowledge, skills and stories to go out and teach others.

Our work is not just about the rivers or the environment (although it is a large part of it) but more so about the community that surrounds it.

Empowering our youth to lead the next generation in environmental care. �

The first episode of our new YouTube series is up now.

If you want to learn more about our journey to save this taonga, watch the first video, which is linked in the bio, and don't forget to subscribe so you can stay in the loop!

Our Moana is for more than just swimming.

It makes us all feel more relaxed and at peace, not to mention putting kai on our tables.

Thinking back on all of your childhood memories, I'm sure more than a few have occurred on or near the water.

Our first YouTube episode will be out on the 15th.
Give it a watch to learn more about the significance of our waters and why we need to protect them. 🌊

Leading by example for our family, friends, and waters, we take a stand to safeguard the beauty and health of our rivers and oceans.

It’s not just about clean water; it's about preserving our community's future and inspiring others.

Together, we can create a ripple effect of positive change, ensuring that our waterways remain safe and thriving for years to come. Let's dive into action and be the change we wish to see.

Did you know? New Zealand's sprawling network of rivers extends over 180,000 kilometres!

In Māori culture, our awa are often referred to as ancestors, signifying our deep connection to the rivers and oceans.

It is because of this that we share a deep responsibility to protect our waters and all that flows from them. For our past, present and future.

The first episode of our new YouTube series is coming out on April 15th. Stay tuned to learn more about the significance of our awa.

Reflecting on the commemorations of 160yrs since the “battle” of Ōrākau that took place on Tuesday 2nd April, stirred the hearts of many with all sorts of emotions.

As a local Māori organisation with representation of the three Iwi associated with the whenua of Ōrākau, an honour was bestowed upon Pūniu River Care to bear the 3 torches the would then light the 3 ceremonial fires for the Tahuahi Ceremony. It was then up to the team to ensure the fire would continue burning for the duration of the day.

The significance of the ahi from the time of the lighting was to capture karakia and kōrero through out the day, and it would acsend through the smoke to the heavens or ‘ki ngā rangi tūhāhā’. This assisting the many in attendance to “whakatapu i ōu whakaaro”, or place your mind and thoughts in a space of sacredness under atua protection. Hence the importance of keeping the fires burning throughout the day.

A responsibility that seemed so simple at first, of lighting a fire and keeping it going, became more special when Ngāti Maniapoto rangatira, Doug Ruki of Te Nehenehenui explained the significance and the importance of Tahuahi, where it became very clear that this was to be such an honour to accept.

After having this explanation, the final part was to ‘take care’ of the pungarehu - remaining ashes of the fire, as this now too had become something that needed to be treated with the upmost respect it deserved and not just brushed aside to blow away with the winds. Therefore, the fire keepers were asked to do with these ashes in a way where they will not be disturbed, in which they have done so.

A moving experience for our kaupapa of PRC, as it strengthens the narratives shared by our kaumatua in what our tūpuna stood for 160 years ago, and puts deeper purpose to kaitiakitanga practices at Pūniu River Care and strengthening our continuance of a vision for “safe places, healthy waters and healthy people”

Mā te wāhi ngaro tātou e tiaki e manaaki.
Rire, rire hau… Paimārire.
Maniapoto FM Tainui Live Waikato Tainui Raukawa Kiingitanga

Our rivers are in trouble, and it's up to us to save them.

Join us in cleaning and protecting our waterways - your action today can make a real difference for future generations.

Let's stand together for clean rivers and a healthier New Zealand. 💪

The Pūniu River Care project is all about keeping our waters clean, wildlife thriving, and community spirit flowing.

Every bit of effort counts, whether you're volunteering for clean-up drives or spreading awareness.

If you are ready to learn more about why we do what we do. Keep an eye on our YouTube...

With 60% of New Zealand's rivers currently deemed unswimmable, our waters are calling for your help.

Take a stand for clean, swimmable rivers.

Let's work together to protect and restore the natural beauty of our awa for future generations.

Want to inspire the next generation of environmental guardians?

The first episode of our new series is coming out on YouTube very soon. If you want to learn more about the significance of our waters and how you can help protect them, tune in!

Let's nurture a love for nature.

One of the very important aspects of our mission is to train our rangatahi to educate others on the significance of water and how to protect it.

By doing so, we can create a generation of water advocates who will work hard to secure a sustainable future for our planet.

Thank you to everyone who makes this possible. Your mahi and constant dedication are what keep this project thriving. 💪🌱

Our moana is more than just a place of fun.

It's about food and connection to something bigger than ourselves.

Next time you are out on the water, take a moment to reflect on its significance and the potential consequences if it was harmed.

Whether it's the peace of the ocean or the thrill of a rushing river, we all have a connection to the water that is worth protecting.

Our first episode of our new youtube series is coming out soon... you won’t want to miss this!

Yesterday our crew was fortunate enough to spend the day with Trustees of Tāne's Tree Trust Ian Brennan and Mike Bergin.
This visit was an on-site training day in gaining the knowledge from Ian and Mike and learning about their practices with purpose, to add to our kete, and apply to our work plan. Ian’s property is the perfect example of outcomes and results created by someone who just “made a start” and learnt along the way. Our team came away very inspired and will use the knowledge shared to do better and continue strengthening this relationship with Tāne’s Tree Trust and Trees That Count.

Exploring the crystal clear headwaters of the Waihou River!

This is the perfect example of what a clean and healthy river should look like.

If you want to see Aotearoa's waters clear again one day, check out our YouTube channel to follow along on our journey. The first episode will be live on April 2nd!

Exciting news! We have now planted over 3,500,000 trees!

Every tree contributes to a healthier ecosystem and a brighter future for our river.

Thank you to everyone who has made this possible!

Protecting our awa is a responsibility we all share.

They are the mirrors of our environment, reflecting the health of our home.

Check out our YouTube channel to follow along with restoring our waters.

Creating a cleaner, greener future together. 💪

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC55rKrUVw-8lPjiSF86QvEg