On 7 October 2025, the GEF7 Project Enua (Enhancing Nature’s Unique Areas) officially signed a Service Agreement with Muri Environment Care (MEC) to develop Environmental Management Plans (EMPs) for the Avana and Turangi Catchment Areas.
MEC was pleased to share an overview of its existing environmental monitoring work and highlight opportunities for strengthened collaboration within both catchments.
The project’s theme, “TO TĀTOU ARAVAI, TĀ TĀTOU TUA TAPAPA NO TE AU TUĀTAU KI MUA” – Our Environment, Our Vision for the Future – reflects a shared commitment to protect and sustain our natural resources for generations to come.
MEC President Mii Kauvai confirmed that work began with survey interviews among Avana Valley homeowners. Following the service agreement, an introductory stakeholder meeting was held at the National Environment Service (NES) on 29 October 2025, where Jo Holley was introduced as the Project Management Lead.
MEC is actively engaging with the community—conducting surveys, collecting local stories, and identifying key environmental and cultural areas of significance. Flyers and posters have been distributed to encourage community participation in this locally-led initiative.
The next upcoming events are:
Citizen Science Training & Showcase
10 December 2025
A hands-on workshop to learn practical stream care techniques, followed by a presentation and discussion on the draft Catchment Management Plans.
Korero: Stream Showcase
11 December 2025
Avana & Turangi Catchment Plans: Explore. discuss and take action.
Through these activities, MEC aims to build a shared community vision for healthy streams, resilient ecosystems, and sustainable management of our natural heritage.
Together, we can protect what makes our island home unique — our land, our water, our future.
Image: MEC President Mii Kauvai (2nd from R) and her volunteers
