Protecting the Moana through knowledge, tikanga and responsibility

 

Protecting the moana through knowledge, tikanga, and responsibility

Te Putaiao Trust exists to provide and oversight for special projects relating to environmental protection, customary rights, and Treaty-consistent practice. Special projects are in Contracted Advisory Roles. 

Te Putaiao Trust is an independent trust dedicated to the protection of the marine and coastal environment. Our work supports the recognition and practical protection of customary rights, environmental integrity, and intergenerational responsibility to the moana.

The Trust works to ensure that decision-making affecting the marine and coastal environment is wise, precautionary, and grounded in respect for those who hold enduring relationships with the moana. It does this by

 

Public Notice: No Affiliation or Authorisation

Important Notice

Te Putaiao Trust and all associated projects and applications are independently owned and operated. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or operating through any third-party Microsoft 365 Groups, Teams, or collaboration spaces that may appear under similar names.

Any groups, invitations, or communications  without our express written consent are unauthorised and do not represent our projects, governance, or operations.All official communications, platforms, and applications are accessed only through our verified websites and published contact details.

Our Kaupapa

Te Putaiao Trust exists to support:

  • Protection of the marine and coastal environment (takutai moana)

  • Recognition of Māori customary rights as guaranteed under Te Tiriti o Waitangi

  • Early, meaningful engagement with iwi and hapū where marine and coastal impacts are proposed

  • Environmental approaches that prioritise restoration, sustainability, and long-term wellbeing

  • The Contact Centre provides operational support only and does not influence kaupapa, governance, or advocacy decisions.

We recognise that the health of the moana is inseparable from the health of our communities, culture, and future generations.

Our Approach

Te Putaiao Trust takes a preventative and constructive approach.

Rather than responding only after harm has occurred, we focus on:

  • early identification of risk to marine and coastal environments

  • encouraging responsible engagement before proposals advance

  • supporting practical, tikanga-consistent solutions

This includes promoting outcomes such as:

Picture approved received by Kai Down Under