Wānanga & Workshops
Sharing knowledge, stories and experience
Mountains to Sea Conservation Trust runs wānanga and workshops that connect communities with nature through hands-on learning, combining mātauranga Māori and science to help participants explore local ecosystems and build skills in monitoring and restoration.
Wānanga
The Mountains to Sea Conservation Trust's wānanga is a three-day, marae-based gathering held annually in April across Aotearoa. Designed as an inspiring professional development and networking opportunity, it brings together those involved in freshwater and marine conservation. Each wānanga is shaped by the unique needs of the host region, weaving together the perspectives of mana whenua, local communities, and scientists. Together, they explore local issues, celebrate successes, and build practical skills for those doing the mahi on the ground. Attendance typically ranges from 60 to 100 people.
Our 2025 Wānanga
We were proud to host our annual Wānanga at Ōnuku Marae in Akaroa, Canterbury, in partnership with Ōnuku Rūnanga from 14–16 April 2025. This event provided an inspiring professional development and networking opportunity for anyone involved in, or passionate about, freshwater and marine conservation.
The 2025 theme—"Celebrating Our Impact and Building Resilience"—reflected the core mahi of Mountains to Sea Conservation Trust and our many collaborators. It also aligned with our national Tātai ki te Wai – Wai Connection project, co-funded by the Ministry for the Environment’s Essential Freshwater Fund (EFF), which aimed to empower and connect communities within catchment areas through meaningful collaboration.
Wānanga fees ranged from $400 to $600 and included catering, marae accommodation, a social evening, transport to Akaroa, and a harbour field trip. Sponsored spaces were available through Wai Connection funding.
Wānanga Proceedings
We've been busy documenting and reporting about our wānanga since 2008 to make sure that the knowledge given at these occasions continues to be shared.
Workshops
Mountains to Sea Conservation Trust delivers engaging, hands-on workshops that connect people with their local freshwater and marine environments. These workshops are designed for schools, community groups, and environmental practitioners, offering practical skills in conservation, monitoring, and restoration.
Workshops include:
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Whitebait Connection: Learn about native freshwater fish and how to restore their habitats through stream studies, riparian planting, and monitoring techniques.
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Experiencing Marine Reserves (EMR): Explore marine ecosystems through snorkel experiences and learn about marine biodiversity, threats, and marine protection.
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Kaitiaki workshops: Co-designed with mana whenua, these workshops blend mātauranga Māori and science, supporting communities to build strong foundations for local kaitiakitanga. Check out our Catchment Group page for more information.
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Community Action Projects: Tailored support for local groups or schools to design and lead their own conservation initiatives, from dune restoration to estuary clean-ups. Get in touch if you have a great idea. If water is your focus, we have the expertise and (being a charity) the right price!
Workshops are interactive, place-based, and can be adapted to meet the needs of each community and locality.
