The village has a continuing working relationship with KMR and have already planted thousands of native trees:

Kaipara Moana Remediation

The Kaipara Moana Remediation (KMR) initiative is a decade-long partnership transforming New Zealand’s largest natural harbour and its vast catchment area. Launched in 2020, KMR aims to cut sediment entering the Kaipara Moana by half — a goal that supports not only the environment, but also cultural, economic, and community wellbeing.

So far, the programme has achieved remarkable progress: around 1.4 million native trees planted over 300 hectares, and 600 kilometres of waterways protected by fencing. Collaborating with half of the region’s pastoral landowners, KMR has developed nearly 550 sediment reduction plans, covering more than 100,000 hectares of the catchment.

Beyond ecological restoration, the initiative is revitalising local economies. With a strong emphasis on workforce development, KMR has trained and mentored nearly 60 field advisors, generating about 190,000 hours of new work — much of it in rural communities where the opportunities are most needed.

Covering 6,000 square kilometres, Kaipara Moana spans Auckland and Northland and includes more than 8,000 kilometres of waterways feeding a harbour vital for biodiversity and as a nursery for New Zealand’s snapper populations.

Backed by over $13 million in investment, KMR’s work includes wetland restoration, fencing, native planting, and reforestation on erosion-prone land. These efforts are helping native species flourish, building climate resilience, and protecting communities from floods and extreme weather.

Looking forward, the next phase from winter 2024 focuses on large-scale afforestation, particularly on vulnerable hillsides. A hallmark of the programme is collaboration — field advisors provide free guidance, monitor progress, and promote knowledge sharing among landowners to ensure lasting impact.