Ngā Uara
Our Values
Our core values guide us to create safe places, healthy water, and healthy people.
Through meaningful work and purposeful employment, we support our communities to thrive while enabling local hapū to lead and be part of restoring the Pūniu Awa.
In doing so, we strengthen wellbeing, connection, and guardianship of our whenua and waterways for generations to come.
Through the growth of a seed to a well established rākau, our values represent the stages and life of a plantTUPU TE KĀKANO
TUPU TE TAKETAKE
TUPU TE PIHINGA
TUPU TE MĀHURI
TUPU TE RĀKAU
KO AU KO KOE
KO KOE KO AU
TĪHEI MAURI ORA
Mauri
BOOSTING A NEW LIFE FORCE INTO A SUSTAINABLE WORLDkākano - Like a seed, it nurtures growth and renewal. In caring for our rivers and waterways, we uplift mauri — honouring the life that flows through people, land, and every living being.
Kaitiakitanga
KEEPERS OF OUR WATERWAYS, RIVERS, WHĀNAU AND HOMETaketake is the root of all growth — just as a tree needs strong, nurtured roots to thrive, so do our people. By grounding our tamariki in care, guidance, and aroha, we give them the strength to flourish. In the same way, we lead by example as guardians and kaitiaki — caring for our waterways, our whānau, and our homes, so all may grow strong and healthy together.
Whanaungatanga
STRATEGIC RELATIONSHIPS AND EMPOWERING WHĀNAUPihinga are seedlings — each one growing as part of a wider community. Like seedlings, we grow alongside others, finding ourselves surrounded by whānau, then discovering even more along the way. Through these connections, we form relationships, friendships, and partnerships we may never have imagined, strengthening us all as we move forward together
Māramatanga
TO KNOW YOUR PLACE IN A SUSTAINABLE WORLDMāhuri is a young tree, growing into itself. Like our rangatahi, this is a time of discovery — learning who we are, where we belong, and how we can contribute. It’s a stage where we gain understanding, not only of our purpose, but also the impact of our actions. In doing so, we bring clarity to ourselves and to those around us, strengthening our place within our communities.
Rangatiratanga
SELF DETERMINED TO TAKE THE LEAD FOR A SUSTAINABLE WORLDRākau is the fully grown tree, standing strong from its humble beginnings as a seed. Like the mighty kauri, it reflects strength, pride, and self-governance. For us, this sense of rangatiratanga comes through meeting challenges and taking responsibility in our lives — from providing for our whānau to building a place to call home. It is knowing who you are, where you stand, and having the confidence to lead with purpose and integrity.
Koha
LIMITLESS GENEROSITY ACKNOWLEDGING THE CELEBRATION OF LIFEIt is about giving with an open heart, acknowledging life, and being grateful for the opportunities we receive. For Pūniu River Care, koha means giving without expectation — contributing with generosity, and nurturing all that sustains life.
