Belonging at the heart of our mahi

Te Hōnonga a Iwi Chair Sheryl Blythen reports back from the May meeting of the Strategy Committee.

The work we are doing to support climate change adaptation, improve soil, water and air quality through planting a native forest and increase food security with our mara kai community garden is an essential part of our goal to increase the wellbeing of the natural environment in the Rosedale rohe.

We can’t do that work without the involvement of people from across our community – iwi, local businesses, our young people in nearby kindergartens, schools and our tertiary institutions, and mature adults living in our retirement villages who have a lifetime of knowledge to share. We need academic researchers, ecological experts and passionate people who are committed to environmental restoration and show up to do the mahi, rain or shine.

Fostering a sense of belonging across our project is an important responsibility for Te Hōnonga a Iwi. We want people to feel welcomed, valued and connected to the restoration – whether they are planting trees, sharing knowledge, supporting behind the scenes or simply spending time in the ngahere and māra kai.

That focus on connection and participation continues to shape the work of the Te Hōnonga a Iwi Strategy Committee. Here are a few of the ideas discussed at our May meeting.

·       Recognition pins for young people who embody values such as curiosity, connection, kindness, innovation and collaboration while volunteering at the restoration.

·       Community working bees – we are investigating how we can offer more opportunities for public working bees on weekends alongside the sessions for schools and businesses.

·       Engaging different communities from the area in our project and ensuring our communications are diverse and inclusive.

·       Finding new ways for individual and corporate investors to support our fundraising efforts in ways that align with their capacity and connection to the kaupapa.

If you would like to contribute your ideas for increasing belonging at Te Hōnonga a Iwi, send an email to hello@restoringrosedalepark.org.nz