Internships strengthen partnership for Kaitorete and Muriwai o Whata restoration
Two summer interns have helped strengthen long‑standing partnerships and advance key biodiversity projects at Kaitorete and Muriwai o Whata this summer, contributing fresh energy and practical support to landscapes of deep cultural, ecological and historical significance.
Our Regional Biodiversity and Biosecurity team hosted Grace O'Shaughnessy-Katene and Jake Benny over the summer, each working on projects grounded in collaboration with mana whenua and partner organisations.
Planning for the future of harakeke at Kaitorete
Environmental policy and planning graduate Grace spent her internship developing a management plan for a significant pā harakeke on Kaitorete Spit – land owned by us and cared for in partnership with Tāwhaki Joint Venture, a unique partnership between Te Taumutu Rūnanga, Wairewa Rūnanga and the Crown.
Her work supports harvesting, access and the long-term protection of harakeke, while giving voice to the diverse perspectives involved in caring for the site.
“Grace’s work has helped bring clarity and cohesion to a really important kaupapa,” says Shaun Burkett, Team Leader Regional Biodiversity and Biosecurity.
The team at Kaitorete
“Kaitorete is an ecologically rare landscape and culturally significant to mana whenua. Having a framework that reflects all partners strengthens the way we look after this place now and into the future,” he said.
Grace says the role felt like a natural continuation of her studies.
“I was super lucky to have been adjacent to the Kaitorete kaupapa while studying at Lincoln University – lots of field trips and learning opportunities. My honours supervisor also worked with Tāwhaki, so when the internship came up I was stoked to jump on it.”
Working closely with Tāwhaki experts, whānau with deep connections to Kaitorete, and our staff gave her a deeper understanding of the ecology and pressures facing Kaitorete.
“I learnt so much, not just about the rare species out there, but about how passionate people are about protecting this place,” said Grace O'Shaughnessy-Katene.
Pest management to support mana whenua vision at Muriwai o Whata
Meanwhile, Jake, a Masters student in Ecology, worked on the mana whenua-led restoration of Muriwai o Whata Coopers Lagoon – one of our 41 biodiversity priority sites, and the next priority restoration project for Te Taumutu Rūnanga – Whakaora Te Muriwai o Whata (the restoration of Muriwai o Whata Coopers Lagoon).
His project focused on laying the foundations for a long‑term pest mammal management programme to support the aspirations of Ngāi Te Ruahikihiki ki Taumutu.
“This project felt very natural for me. I whakapapa to Ngāi Te Ruahikihiki, and I wanted to build both my ecological skills and my connection to my hapū,” he says.
Jake gained experience in stakeholder engagement, biodiversity management, GIS and drafting management plans – skills he hopes will support long‑term ecological regeneration.
“Managing pest mammals is one of the most important things we can do to stop the decline of native species.”
Jake’s work over the summer builds the foundation for the pest mammal management at Muriwai, one of the key components of Whakaora Te Muriwai o Whata.
Kōtuku White Heron at Muriwai o Whata Coopers Lagoon
Growing future kaitiaki through partnership
Sophie McGregor, Project Manager – Whakaora Te Waikēkēwai at Te Taumutu Rūnanga, says the internship projects strengthen the collective approach to caring for culturally significant landscapes.
“These projects show what can be achieved when science, cultural knowledge and shared responsibility come together,” she says. “They help ensure the long‑term wellbeing of places that hold deep meaning for our people.”
Julian Phillips, Head of Whenua Planning and Rejuvenation at Tāwhaki, says the collaborative work at Kaitorete and Muriwai o Whata sets a strong foundation for the future.
“The work happening across these sites supports the wider vision for rejuvenating whenua that is ecologically unique and culturally treasured,” he says. “Partnership is at the heart of that, and these projects help bring that vision to life.”
Learn more about biodiversity restoration in Waitaha Canterbury: Explore our priority biodiversity sites and partnership projects across the region.