Whenua, Wai, & Whānau, with Theresa Thornton

Theresa Thornton (Ngāti Pāhauwera) is a trustee and kaitiaki restoring whenua and wai in Raupunga for over two decades. Working with limited resources, she has led fencing and farming efforts, a papakāinga development, and a long fight for clean water. Her kōrero highlights the power of whānau to step up when systems fall short, and create their own solutions to restore whenua, wai, and community wellbeing.

Ko Tangitū ki te moana, Maungaharuru ki uta, Mōhaka te awa, Ko Ngāti Pāhauwera te iwi

Tangitū is at sea, Maungaharuru is inland, Mōhaka is the river, Ngāti Pāhauwera are the people

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Disclaimer

Te Karanga o Te Whenua is led by researchers based at the Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research Group, now part of the Bioeconomy Science Institute – Maiangi Taiao.

The stories shared in Te Karanga o Te Whenua are personal accounts that were recorded with permission and are presented to reflect the lived experiences, perspectives, and voices of the research partners. These narratives are shared in good faith to inform, reflect, and inspire listeners, and are not intended for advisory purposes. The views expressed are those of the individuals featured and do not necessarily represent the views of the funders or hosting organisations.