May 2026 project update

The strengths-based model we use demands we work in ways that best suit our leaders and investors: iwi, young people and small businesses.

The word pivot is used a lot at Te Hōnonga a Iwi. Some people see the need to pivot as a result of undercooked planning. Many people find pivoting unsettling, stressful. For us, being flexible, quickly shifting to meet needs, and expectations of diverse partners, including Te Taiao, enables us to perform pirouettes that have a high degree of inclusivity strengthening collaboration across seven local sectors to drive new climate actions, protecting and limiting adverse weather impacts on our ecosystems, people and places.

Innovation and creativity are welcome outcomes of having an ability to stretch to generate new ways of knowing, and being, reflecting the skills and capabilities of local people and the organisations they reside, work or study within. The creative process offers us opportunities that are novel, exciting. Being a creative organisation attracts new people with different skills and expertise and develops a sense of hope, and fun, propelling us forward as we solve problems, reduce barriers and gain momentum for positive socio-ecological and economic change in Albany Basin.

University of Auckland Design PhD candidate Jiarong Hu epitomized the gains that can be made through the application of design and art with her outstanding community garden workshop this month. Aimed at supporting people to overcome barriers they face with developing community gardens, Jiarong’s beautiful drawings capturing themes like diversity, connectivity, ‘slow variables’, systems thinking, learning, participation and polycentric governance were considered by Te Hōnonga a Iwi people. What is important to us and where we would like to improve was uncovered through artistry and by design to produce a new roadmap to enable us to improve the way we offer food security within our rohe.

Voting for the final design of Flick the friendly Piwakawaka across May has resulted in a clear winner.  We are proud to introduce you to Flick, full of colour this design reflects Flick’s vibrant, fun personality and the joy Flick brings as he welcomes us to his ngāhere.

Being creative, and nimble, allows us to practice operating as positively as we can in an increasingly complex, rapidly changing environment. Please view our social media posts as they are testament to our special social value chain. Within the images, you will see creative, innovative people, who are courageous, visionaries who are not afraid of the odd jeté when required. This month we were delighted to feature Kristin School student Jono who was the first person to receive the special pins we have made to celebrate exceptional service to the restoration. Congratulations Jono!

Download the full report for May 2026.