Image: MEC Chair Mii Kauvai – planting her Tamanu Tree- Akatauira at the MEC-NES Vao Rakau Iti Project at Parengaru, Muri.
A series of key milestones marked a significant period for Mii Kauvai, President of Muri Environment Care, beginning with the signing of a contract with the National Environment Service (NES) to develop Environmental Management Plans for Avana and Turangi. This was followed by the nomination of Mii Kauvai as Woman of the Month for December, jointly nominated by Muri Environment Care, National Environment Service, Kumiti Au Vaine – hosts of the Woman of the Month Awards Programme – and Pa Ariki, the programme’s Patron. The award presentation took place on Wednesday 10 December at the Islander Hotel.
The Woman of the Month Awards Programme has been hosted by Kumiti Au Vaine since January 2007 and has recognised more than 225 women for their volunteer service and contributions to their organisations and communities.
Through the GEF-7 Project ENUA, Mii and the Muri Environment Care Group have led community engagement through Kōrero events, documenting key environmental issues affecting the Avana and Turangi streams. These include extended periods of low water flow during drought conditions, illegal dumping of non-biodegradable waste, and a shared aspiration to restore the spirit and vision of the Kumiti Oire across the three tapere of Muri, Avana and Turangi.
The National Environment Service and the GEF-7 Project ENUA team acknowledge and congratulate Mii Kauvai for her leadership and sustained commitment in driving this work forward, supporting the development of Environmental Management Plans that reflect community priorities and stewardship of the Avana and Turangi catchments.
