Nature-based resilience (Te Taiao)
Nature-based resilience (Te Taiao) looks to nature for solutions to build climate resilience, enhancing eco-system resilience, regenerating food and farming systems, and sequestering carbon through forest, wetland or kelp restoration.
Nature-based solutions are key to building climate resilience. Working with natural systems rather than against them we can reduce climate related risks, protect ecosystems, and support communities in a sustainable way.
We support local projects that regenerate ecosystems, strengthen food and farming systems, and enhance carbon sequestration, initiatives that empower communities to work with nature, creating environmental, social, and economic benefits for the future.
Haititaimarangai Marae 399 Trust
Tupehauora - Restoring Our Coastlines, Honouring Our Ancestors
Community-led initiative restoring coastal areas at Tokerau, Perehipe, Pātia, and Waikakari (Pūheke) where erosion has exposed kōiwi. Guided by mātauranga Māori and climate science, Tupehauora strengthens climate resilience, reconnects people to whenua, and provides a replicable model for nature-based solutions.
Hapū volunteers collecting pingao and drying the seed heads to propagate locally sourced plants for further restoration of coastal dune areas.
Patuharakeke Te Iwi Trust
Takahiwai 9B Marae Stream and Wetland Restoration
Exploring the potential for coastal wetland restoration (mangroves, salt marshes, seagrass) to sequester carbon and deliver multiple benefits, biodiversity, water quality, storm protection and cultural values. The research will estimate carbon storage capacity and inform a future restoration initiative to reduce climate impacts from sea-level rise, restore mauri, and establish pā harakeke, taonga kai species, and a thriving cultural landscape.
Coastal wetland area investigated for its carbon storage potential.
WGHS, WBHS, WIS, WPS
Waiarohia Stream Community Engagement and Resilience
Waiarohia Stream Collaboration brings together four Whangārei schools, iwi, community groups, and local government to investigate and engage on an urban waterway increasingly affected by storm events, flooding, and erosion. The project explores how climate change intensifies these impacts and works toward a shared vision with practical, nature-based solutions to build community resilience.
Morningside School
A Water Resilience Powerhouse in the Urban Jungle
Through riparian planting near flood-prone commercial areas, it creates a living example of nature-based solutions. The initiative engages businesses, other schools, whānau, hapū, iwi, and environmental partners to co-create a thriving, sustainable ecosystem built on collective responsibility.
Arawai Limited
Ōkokori Wetland and Forest Restoration for Climate Resilience
Engages local community to restore wetlands, regenerating bush, and mangroves across 115ha to enhance carbon sequestration and climate resilience. Grounded in Kaupapa Māori and collective action, it empowers tangata whenua as kaitiaki responding to climate change.
Bream Bay Coastal Care Trust
Bream Bay Coastal Restoration Project
Led by Bream Bay Coastal Care Trust, a restoration project to build coastal dune ecosystem resilience and reduce wildfire risk. The project creates training and local employment opportunities upskilling Kaitaio and volunteers to remove invasive species making room for native planting and regeneration.
Working between rising winds and tides, Luke Jacobs from Bream Bay Coastal Care Trust and Elliot Brown from Te Pou Taiao o Patuharakeke learn the complexities of selective sprays very quickly, targeting a range of grasses (buffalo, marram and saltwater paspalum) and several broadleaf weed species (gorse, kniphofia, agapanthus and iceplant).
Te Pokapu Tiaki Taiao O Te Tai Tokerau Trust
Tuituia Te Kahunuku & Food Resiliency
Building nature-based resilience through the restoration of public spaces trialling native, rongoa and kai plant species in vulnerable areas.
The tane crew from Waitomo – Whaia Te Ara Hou – came out to help with the planting along both sides of the Pukepoto stream. In total, over 1500 rakau put back onto Papatuanuku.
Whakapara Marae Trust
Te Taiao o nga Waipukehia - The environment of the flooded waters
Investigation to mitigate flooding through the restoration of river oxbows and wetlands, infrastructure improvements and engagement.
Large Pine trees growing on what is now an island, historically an old river oxbow, would require removal to allow a restoration project to happen.
Coastal Restoration Trust of New Zealand
Te Taitokerau - How to restore dunes video
Production of a 'how to' video focused on nature-based methods for local communities and iwi involved and interested in restoring and managing beaches and dune systems for the Northland region.
Pakanae 5A Trust
Cultural and Nature-Based Resilience Programme
Community led restoration of culturally significant land block in Hokianga, building ecological and cultural resilience while empowering the local community to take an active role in adapting to climate change.