Strengthening Pacific ties through ocean leadership

The Niue Ocean Wide (NOW) Trust delegation on Waiheke Island, with representatives from Whakatupu Aotearoa Foundation and Waiheke Marine Project.

The first visit of the Niue Ocean Wide (NOW) Trust team to Aotearoa New Zealand marked a key step in strengthening collaboration and sustainable development joint efforts in marine and coastal conservation across the Pacific. It was a privilege for Whakatupu Aotearoa Foundation to host the Niue Ocean Wide project team as they wrapped up their time in Aotearoa, after forging partnerships in a range of regions. Final stop: beautiful Waiheke Island, for kai and kōrero with some time to reflect, connect, and close out the NOW team's trip around the motu.

Te hononga ki te Te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa

Te hononga ki te Te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa – our relationship with the Pacific – reaches a significant milestone this year. 2026 marks the 125th anniversary of Niue and the Cook Islands becoming part of the New Zealand Realm. A collection of united states and territories, the New Zealand Realm encompasses the three autonomous jurisdictions of New Zealand and its associated states of the Cook Islands and Niue.

Community-focused ocean conservation

During their visit the NOW team engaged in meaningful discussions with iwi and other stakeholders, in a range of different locations across Aotearoa. They visited marine and coastal conservation management initiatives to see how these could serve as practical examples for environmental management in Niue. The delegation also explored ways to grow networks, deepen partnerships, and support community-focused efforts in Niue – from restoration of sites to invasive species.

The trip highlighted a shared commitment to environmental stewardship and regional cooperation across the Pacific, and served to build a network and basis for collaboration between Niue’s village Resource Management Advisory Committees (RMAC’s). Representatives from 14 villages were in attendance.

Community led kaitiakitanga

Brendon Pasisi, CEO, Niue Ocean Wide (NOW) Trust commented, “Our time in Aotearoa reinforced the importance of relationships and shared values in this work. It was encouraging to connect with partners who are navigating similar challenges and opportunities, and to see the strength of community-led approaches in action.”

Thanks to the expertise of Lucy Jacobs, research scientist Olive Andrews, and the Waiheke Marine Project team including Leigh Takirau and Alice McSherry, the NOW team had the opportunity to explored local Waiheke marine initiatives on their final day in Aotearoa. The Waiheke Marine Project is a collaborative Mana Whenua and Waiheke Island community project protecting and regenerating Waiheke Island’s marine environment through action-based kaitiakitanga.

Collaboration across our Pacific

“The visit created space not just for knowledge sharing, but for building trusting relationships and understanding - which is essential for meaningful collaboration across our Pacific,” said Brendon Pasisi.

“This trip forms the basis of empowering building capacity within our communities to be able to contribute to the co-management of our environment, resources, and biodiversity in each of the villages, along with key government agencies. The goal is for this to form a solid foundation going forward, for the future of villages both individually and collectively, to bring about the changes that we need into the future. There are some overwhelming challenges including climate change, food security, and trying to build a sustainable blue economy here on the island.”

Investing in the future of Aotearoa

Whakatupu Aotearoa Foundation and TMNZ believe in investing in the future of Aotearoa, and particularly in protecting the health of our ocean. TMNZ invests 100% of profits in Whakatupu Aotearoa Foundation, to support a restored and thriving Aotearoa. The Foundation’s mission is to catalyse transformation in areas of crucial vulnerability, particularly supporting a resilient natural environment and thriving communities - for future generations.