Revive Our Gulf is a collaborative project involving iwi/hapū, researchers, and the community. The core collaborators are:
The Mussel Reef Restoration Trust (MRRT) was established in 2013. It was set up specifically to undertake kūtai reef restoration in Tīkapa Moana / Te Moananui a-Toi / The Hauraki Gulf. The Trust is the local entity responsible for growing capability and capacity for kūtai reef restoration for the Revive Our Gulf project. MRRT takes the lead on creating the conditions for the collaboration to be successful and is responsible for the resource consent and biosecurity permits. The Trust leads on communications and is the custodian of the Revive Our Gulf project brand.
Refer to this page for information about the MRRT Board of Trustees.
The Nature Conservancy Aotearoa New Zealand (TNC NZ) has been supporting kūtai reef restoration efforts in Aotearoa since 2017. TNC NZ is an organisation of dedicated staff, scientists and members who are advancing effective, lasting conservation in Aotearoa New Zealand. It is part of an international organisation working in more than 70 countries around the world.
TNC’s priorities are reducing carbon emissions, restoring natural habitats that protect people from climate impacts, conserving oceans and rivers, restoring and improving land and building leadership in local communities. It works in partnership with Iwi, local communities, universities, and central and local government. With its expertise in ecosystem conservation, TNC is actively involved in shellfish restoration projects around the world, supporting locally led shellfish restoration initiatives with specialist expertise and funding.
Refer to TNC-NZ website for further information.
Researchers at the Institute of Marine Science, University of Auckland | Waipapa Taumata Rau, have been working on shellfish restoration research since the early 2000s. They lead research and provide specific scientific expertise around restoration methodologies and the ecosystem benefits of restoration.
Refer to the Shellfish Restoration Research website for further information.
Tangata Whenua Partners
Current Tangata Whenua partners in the Revive Our Gulf project are:
Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei have a long-term, intergenerational environmental restoration kaupapa at Ōkahu Bay. This includes re-planting of the whenua and improving the health of the Waitematā. Read more here.
Ngāti Manuhiri Settlement Trust have undertaken an ambitious initiative to create a series of inter-connected kūtai beds across the islands and bays of Kawau. Called Te Au o Morunga, this kaupapa will enhance the ecological diversity and mauri of the Kawau Bay area. Read more here.
Ngāi Tai Ki Tāmaki are an ancient maritime people with a long history of voyaging. Read more here.
Acknowledgements
We acknowledge / mihi to the wide network of advisors, enthusiasts, and volunteers who have been instrumental in this kaupapa, including: Dr Mels Barton, Dr Nigel Bradley (Envirostrat), Cat Davis, Bill Davies, Francis Hall, Tim Higham, Professor Andrew Jeffs, Dr Brendon Dunphy, Dr Dan Hikuroa, Professor Simon Thrush (University of Auckland), Dr Shane Kelly and Dr Carina Sim-Smith (Coast and Catchment), Scott Macindoe (LegaSea), John Laurence (MRRT co-founder and past Chair), Moana Tamaariki-Pohe, Donna Tamaariki, Lucy Tukua.
Ka nui te mihi ki a kōrua Tamaiti Tamariki rauā ko Richelle Kahui-McConnell. E kore aroha whakamutunga ki a koe/ Our love and gratitude to you is without end.