Whāinga
Our Impact
Our Journey
Pūniu River Care exists to create safe places, healthy water, and healthy people by enabling local hapū to lead the restoration of the Pūniu Awa. Over time, this kaupapa has driven significant impact — including the propagation of hundreds of thousands of native plants annually (peaking over 700,000), large-scale planting and fencing programmes, and the growth of a skilled workforce supporting restoration across the rohe. Through periods of growth, adaptation, and renewal, this work continues to strengthen both the awa and the communities connected to it, with a clear focus on long-term sustainability.
2016 - Laying Foundations
An early chapter focused on building relationships, establishing direction, and bringing people together around restoring the mauri of the Pūniu River.
2017 - Building Momentum
Expanded our team, strengthened partnerships, and began delivering large-scale restoration projects and growing nursery capacity.
2018 - Growing Impact
Significant growth in planting, fencing, workforce development, and community engagement, strengthening environmental and social impact.
2019 - Scaling Our Vision
Rapid expansion in planting, team size, and infrastructure, delivering restoration work at a much larger scale.
2020 - Adapt & Strengthen
Continued growth and resilience through changing conditions, with strong gains in planting, training, and engagement.
2021 - Expand Capability
Major workforce and infrastructure growth, including nursery expansion and increased restoration delivery despite COVID challenges.
2022 - Scaling Impact
Stepped into a new phase of scale, significantly increasing output while building strong systems and partnerships.
2023 - Growth & Delivery
Delivered one of the strongest years, propagating over 700,000 native plants and maintaining large-scale restoration work.
2024 - Transition & Reset
A year of adjustment and refinement, responding to funding and operational changes while maintaining commitment to the kaupapa.
2025 - Refocus
A more focused and streamlined organisation, prioritising sustainability, resilience, and long-term impact with a smaller team.