Foundation North
Welcome
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Closing
Foundation North
Part 6. Our Grants in Action
Journeying with G.I.F.T
Image credit: ‘The Incredible Hauraki Gulf’, produced with G.I.F.T support by Young Ocean Explorers.
G.I.F.T (Gulf Innovation Fund Together) was initiated by Foundation North in 2016 to ignite innovation and solutions that would improve the mauri of Tīkapa Moana Te Moananui-ā-Toi.
Foundation North had limited knowledge of the value and tikanga that a focus on mauri would bring. Having mauri at the centre of the GIFT kaupapa is increasing unity and bringing a diversity of thought and approach, to regenerating and upholding the wellness of Tikapa Moana Te Moananui-a-Toi, the surrounding whenua and its people. GIFT has moved its investment to a more holistic approach that integrates mātauranga Māori. This aligns with Foundation North’s refreshed strategy and focus area of Whakahou Taiao | Regenerative Environment.
This focus area has four outcomes:
- Tino Rangatiratanga– community led action for Te Taiao
- Mātauranga Māori leading regeneration and restoration
- Increased connection and equity of access to Te Taiao
- Renewing, regenerating ecosystems and communities
In 2020, GIFT shared learning and insights around system change, see Mōhiotanga/Insights: Systems Change in the Hauraki Gulf. There is a growing desire to give effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi through Mana Whenua representation, engagement and co-governance, which is a significant system change.
GIFT is building a more connected community of change makers. In May 2020, GIFT hosted two online systems change conversations with grantees to consider potential, needs and strengths for system change in the Hauraki Gulf. In July 2020, all grantees were invited to a kanohi ki te kanohi (face to face) session to share learning and ideas around system change. See here for the July hui presentation on system change concepts, tools and frameworks. GIFT also initiated a communications stakeholder group to explore more collaborative ways of amplifying the voice of Tīkapa Moana Te Moananui-ā-Toi.
During 2020/21 GIFT grantees included:
The Noises Islands Trust
The Noises lie in the outer bounds of the inner Hauraki Gulf Marine Park / Tīkapa Moana / Te Moananui-ā-Toi, approximately 24km north-east of Auckland and 2.2km from Rakino, their closest neighbour. The group of islands and rock stacks have outstanding conservation values, containing some of the best indigenous vegetation of the inner Hauraki Gulf islands. They are also home to a range of invertebrates and reptiles, including gecko and wētāpunga.
University of Auckland Foundation: Nick Shears, Restoring the Mauri of Rocky Reefs
Dr Nick Shears, Associate Professor in Marine Science at the University of Auckland, is weaving mātauranga Māori with Western science in this collaborative project work to improve the mauri or life essence, of the shallow rocky reefs in Tīkapa Moana Te Moananui-ā-Toi/the Hauraki Gulf.
Waiheke Marine Project
Waiheke Marine Project is a collaborative Te Tiriti-based partnership between Mana Whenua (led by Ngā Uri ō Ngāti Pāoa ki Waiheke) and the Waiheke community coming together with a shared interest in protecting and regenerating Waiheke’s marine environment.
Protect Aotea
Protect Aotea was granted $25,000 and intends to build a resource hub of all relevant mātauranga Māori, including pūrākau, kōrero tawhito, waiata, whakataukī, and mōteatea, scientific research and data. This information will be available to support the work of the group and in collaboration with others.
