Community Restoration Day
Words by Sarah Churchouse, photos by Sophie Journee (EMR) and Heidi Börner.
On November 16th 2024, Te Kohuroa Rewilding Initiative hosted its first Community Restoration Day.
The Inagural Community Restoration Day was held at Matheson Bay, uniting the community in an inspiring day of hands-on conservation and environmental learning. A collaboration of passionate organisations came together to create a significant effort to restore local marine life and educate the community on the importance of preserving our natural resources.
Activities for Everyone: Bringing Together the Community
The day began with kina gathering. Confident snorkelers donned their gear and set out to remove excess kina from the reef to encourage the regrowth of the kelp forest. This gathering wasn’t just a practical activity; it was a community effort designed to enhance the ecosystem by rebalancing marine life in the area. Citizen Science stations were set up where people could assist with data collection, such as counting kina removed from the reef, which is essential for tracking restoration progress. Guided stream walks offered an educational journey through the local wetland, introducing attendees to freshwater science and the fascinating ecosystems within. For families, there were also games, spot prizes, and a community sausage sizzle, ensuring that everyone, from the youngest to the oldest, felt part of the day’s mission.
The event catered to all ages and skill levels, inviting not just snorkelers but those who preferred to stay on land to participate meaningfully. Participants were able to experience the direct impact of their work by contributing to ongoing surveying, and the kina gathered was offered as kaimoana for the community with any remaining kina being composted on site to support the local wetland planting programme.
Dan Marrow (left), Parks Ranger for Auckland Council, joined the community in the water to help with the restoration mahi, while the guided snorkel participants discovered some of the colourful marine life on the reef at Te Kohuroa (right).
Guided Snorkel
Later in the afternoon, snorkelers of all abilities joined a guided tour of the reef. The experience brought people face-to-face with the resident marine life, highlighting the diversity of species that kelp forests support. Under the supervision of experienced guides, snorkelers explored this unique underwater habitat and learned firsthand about ongoing efforts to revitalize the kelp forest—a key piece of the local ecosystem’s health.
Highlights from the day!
A core highlight of Te Kohuroa’s Community Restoration Day was the gathering of participants to share kai (food) as a symbol of unity and mutual care for the environment. Following the hands-on kina gathering, everyone came together to enjoy the fruits of their efforts, savoring freshly harvested kaimoana. This shared kai represented more than a meal; it was a moment for people of all backgrounds to connect, share stories, and reflect on their contributions to restoring Matheson Bay's natural beauty.
The kai shared embodied the spirit of the day, celebrating the Māori principle of manaakitanga—the hospitality and care extended to each other and to the environment. It was an opportunity for families, friends, and new acquaintances to relax, refuel, and strengthen the sense of community that made this event so impactful. The gathering was a reminder of the shared responsibility and joy that comes from working together to care for our natural spaces, underscoring that conservation is not just about individual efforts but about the collective journey.
Outcomes of Te Kohuroa Rewilding Initiative’s Inaugural Community Restoration Day.
Kina Removal to Restore Kelp
Total Kina Removed: Nearly 3,500 kina were gathered by volunteers, representing around 10% of the target 35,000 required to support kelp forest regrowth.
Completion of First Stage: Volunteers successfully cleared Zone 1 and partially cleared Zone 2 of the reef area, which consists of four designated zones. Reducing kina densities in these areas will help create conditions for kelp forest regeneration, boosting biodiversity within the bay.
Future Restoration Days: More community events are planned from January to April to complete the target kina removal, continuing the restoration with support from local groups and volunteers.
Educational Impacts:
Guided Walks and Ecological Surveys: Three guided river walks led participants through the freshwater ecosystem, showcasing fish species and native flora. These surveys contributed important data to ongoing environmental monitoring.
Citizen Science Activities: Attendees recorded kina data, noting metrics such as weight, size, and roe quality. Observations highlighted the kina’s poor condition in barren zones, typical of degraded environments. This data will be used to measure the health improvements of kina as the kelp forest restoration progresses.
Expert Engagement: Scientists from Auckland University, alongside other environmental educators, guided the citizen science activities, offering participants valuable insights into marine ecology and restoration practices.
“Nearly 3,500 kina were gathered by volunteers, representing around 10% of the target 35,000 required to support kelp forest regrowth.”
Kaimoana and Sustainable Practices
Sharing Kaimoana: Kina roe was shared among participants to take home, fostering sustainable community food practices. A significant portion was also donated to Omaha Marae, supporting cultural sharing and connection.
Cultural Food Sharing and Education: Attendees could sample kina on the day, with Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) Fisheries Officers on hand to educate participants about respectful and sustainable harvesting practices. This highlighted the importance of ethical approaches to gathering kaimoana.
Community Composting: Leftover kina shells were composted through a special process at the reserve, which will provide nutrient- rich material for Leigh School’s wetlands planting programme next year. This initiative adds further benefit to the local ecosystem and environmental education efforts.
Community and Organisational Collaboration
Inclusive Participation: The event welcomed a wide range of people from different cultural and social backgrounds, including Māori, Pacific Island, Indian, Asian, and Pākehā communities, as well as neurodivergent and nonbinary participants. Ages ranged from 6 to 72, creating an inclusive community atmosphere.
Broad Representation from Organisations: Numerous community organisations supported the event, including Restore Rodney East, Auckland Council, the University of Auckland Marine Lab, Fisheries New Zealand, Wai Connection, Experiencing Marine Reserves (EMR), Pest Free Leigh, and the Leigh Penguin Group. Young Ocean Explorers also attended, helping to raise awareness among their followers.
Regional Interest: Participants travelled from Manurewa, Kaiwaka, and other areas, highlighting a broader regional commitment to Te Kohuroa’s rewilding efforts.
The inaugural Community Restoration Day at Te Kohuroa highlighted the transformative power of collective action in environmental restoration. By removing kina, supporting kelp forest growth, and offering engaging educational experiences, the event established a foundation of community investment in the bay’s ecological health. Through shared kai, cultural exchange, and collaborative environmental efforts, this initiative is helping to restore Te Kohuroa’s marine ecosystem and strengthen community ties in meaningful and lasting ways.
Thanks to all those involved!
This event was made possible through the partnership of several dedicated organizations: Te Kohuroa Rewilding Initiative, Wai Connection Project, Whitebait Connection, Auckland University Leigh Marine Lab, Restore Rodney East, Forest and Bird, and Auckland Council. The event was funded by The Ministry for the Environment, The Bobby Stafford-Bush Foundation, Tū Manawa Active Aotearoa, and Foundation North. The collaboration of these groups created a solid foundation for what promises to be a lasting impact on Te Kohuroa’s marine and freshwater ecosystems.
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About the Author
Sarah Churchouse is dedicated to supporting environmental groups, and looking after our native wildlife and environment. She is the Facilitator for Restore Rodney East, who support and empower local community initiatives to build restoration projects within the Rodney area.