Public Science Talk: Ki uta ki tai o Wakapuaka – Restoring Wakapuaka’s Coastal Habitats

How can we help the coastal habitats of Wakapuaka thrive again?

In the coastal waters of Wakapuaka, in Te Tai-o-Aorere / Tasman Bay, rocky reefs that once supported abundant and diverse marine life have become increasingly barren, affected by multiple stressors including fishing pressure, coastal sedimentation, and warming seawater temperatures.

But there is hope for recovery.

Join Anaru, Stew and Dan to hear the story of Ki uta ki tai o Wakapuaka (Wakapuaka from the land to sea), a collaborative kaupapa bringing together tangata whenua, scientists and conservationists to understand what has changed and explore how this important marine ecosystem can be restored.

They’ll share how cultural health indicators, habitat mapping and modelling, field research, and restoration techniques are being used to support the recovery of foundational species such as rimurimu, seaweed and kūtai, shellfish.

Come along to discover the mahi already underway in our own backyard, the cultural practices and science behind restoring healthy rocky reefs, and the exciting journey ahead for Wakapuaka.

Presenter Bios

Anaru Stephens is Uri and a Trustee of Ngāti Tama Ki Te Waipounamu Trust and Wakapuaka 1B, and Chair of Wakapuaka Taiapure. He has worked across a range of spaces including construction, commercial fishing and as a Whānau Ora Navigator. Anaru has a Diploma in Aquaculture & Marine Conservation.

Stew Robertson is a Department of Conservation Te Tai-o-Aorere /Tasman Bay marine reserves ranger, and co-founder and chair of Tasman Bay Guardians. He has over two decades of experience working on the waters of Tasman Bay, and extensive experience in marine monitoring, conservation and community engagement. Stew has a BSc in Biological Science and a Diploma in Marine Studies.

Dr Daniel Crossett is a marine ecologist in the Restoration Ecology team at Cawthron Institute. He has spent the last two decades exploring and researching natural systems, finding solutions to enable people and the environment to thrive. His key research focus is on understanding how multiple stressors impact coastal foundation species and the biodiversity they support. Dan has a PhD in marine biology.

Event format

Presentation from 5.30pm followed by a short Q&A session. The event will formally conclude at 6.30pm and guests are invited to remain for informal networking over tea/coffee afterwards if they wish. 

Disclaimer: All registered participants will be added to the Friends of Cawthron email list. You can unsubscribe from these emails at any time.