On the 2nd and 3rd of September, our Year 10 students Feha Akter and Esther Bai had the incredible opportunity to attend the National Endangered Species Hui which is a gathering dedicated to safeguarding the precious species that make Aotearoa unique.
The event brought together experts, kaitiaki, scientists, iwi leaders, and passionate rangatahi, all united by one purpose: protecting our endangered species for future generations! The conference covered freshwater, forests, and ocean conservation, which gave our students a close look at the mahi happening across the country.
Throughout the two‑day conference, students heard from many speakers who shared their works in protecting Aotearoa’s endangered species. Here’s a small list below:
Freshwater and Forest Conservation
Kanakana Revival – Riki Parata
Riki Parata presented the Hokonui Rūnanga’s restoration work in Southland. Their approach combines whakapapa, scientific research, riparian planting, and breeding programmes to protect kanakana which is one of Aotearoa’s oldest taonga species.
The Lives of Tuna – Siobhan Nuri
Siobhan Nuri explored the remarkable life cycle of tuna, from their return as glass eels from ocean spawning grounds to their transition into freshwater environments.
Protecting Pekapeka –Te Ataahua Richmond
Te Ataahua Richmond shared her hands-on experience safeguarding pekapeka (native bats) in North Waikato. Her involvement in major projects, including the Huntly Bypass and Contact Energy wind farm, shows how conservation can be integrated into development.
Ocean Protection and Coastal Mahi
Māui / Pōpoto Dolphin Kaitiakitanga
This session brought together tāngata whenua, educators, and rangatahi to highlight the urgent need to protect the Māui Dolphin, one of the world’s most endangered marine species.
Stopping Sandmining – Olivia Haddon & Jessie Stanley
Olivia and Jessie shared the story of community-led action to protect Pakiri and Mangawhai from sandmining. Their work helps preserve coastal ecosystems and the habitat of tara iti, Aotearoa’s most endangered bird.
Ending Seabed Mining – Phil McCabe
Phil McCabe, an advocate with KASM, spoke about the diverse sea life in the Taranaki region and the nationwide movement to ban seabed mining. His message reinforced the importance of protecting ocean environments for future generations.
The hui offered Feha and Esther a powerful reminder that conservation is a shared responsibility. By learning from leaders across Aotearoa, they saw how science, culture, and community come together to protect our endangered species. Their participation reflects the growing role of rangatahi in shaping a sustainable future for our environment.
A big thank you to The Len Reynolds Trust and WEL Energy Trust for generously supporting our two students and giving them the chance to attend this hui.
