Te Pou Taiao
“Ōtawa ki te Rangi, Waitaha ki te Whenua”
– With Ōtawa reaching to the heavens, Waitaha rooted in the land
Our Purpose | Kaitiakitanga
The Waitaha Taiao Unit supports the protection, care and enhancement of the natural environment on behalf of Te Kapu o Waitaha and the Waitaha people. The unit provides a kaupapa Māori approach to environmental management, bringing together mātauranga, tikanga and contemporary environmental knowledge to support the wellbeing of our whenua, wai and taiao.
Its purpose is to advocate for Waitaha interests in environmental matters, support whānau participation in taiao kaupapa, and help ensure the health of our natural environment is protected for current and future generations.
Ō Mātou Mahi | What we do
Water Testing
Pest Control
Water Maintenance
Ngā Kaitiaki o Waitaha
Meet our Taiao Team
Luke Whare
Pou Arahi Taiao
Watana Williams
Kaiārahi Taiao
Robbie Peak
Kaiārahi Taiao
Hemiona Ririnui
Kaitohutohu Ahurea | Cultural Advisor
Hakaraia Whareaorere
Kaiārahi Taiao
Anaru Whare
Kaitohutohu Ahurea | Cultural Advisor
2026 AGM - Pou Taiao Report
The 2026 Te Pou Taiao Report highlights the year’s mahi in protecting and restoring Waitaha whenua, strengthening kaitiakitanga at Ōtawa, and advocating for Waitaha values in environmental decision-making. The report was presented at the 2026 Annual General Meeting.
Bio-Heritage Project
with Te Whakahononga:
Ōtawa Upoko ki te Rangi shares the story, significance and ongoing relationship between Waitaha and Ōtawa. It highlights the cultural, historical and environmental importance of this whenua, while documenting the mahi being undertaken to restore and protect its mauri for future generations.
In partnership with:
