DOC Senior Leadership Team Visit to Kāpiti Island

Last month, members of the Te Papa Atawhai / Department of Conservation (DOC) Senior Leadership Team visited Kapiti Island, and had their Strategic team planning session in the red house at Rangatira Point.

The senior group, who are also some of the key decision makers for conservation kaupapa across Aotearoa, gave James Davies, our Kaimanaaki Moutere, the opportunity to share and deepen their understanding of Ngāti Toa history of Kapiti in a real-time, living context.

He described the occasion as a moving experience, noting how the team’s engagement and use of te reo Māori reflected their genuine interest in the iwi ranger partnership and the shared commitment to caring for te taiao.

The visit offered an opportunity for whakawhānaungatanga and knowledge sharing, with a Te Ao Māori lens guiding the kōrero. It was a timely reminder of the importance of protecting the whenua and nurturing the wairua of the nature reserve.

DOC’s Director General Penny Nelson says she loved seeing how DOC and Ngāti Toa are working together to look after this special place.

“I really loved the richness James brought to the mahi, and the way he welcomed us and took us into the history of the motu”.

“We were treated to a session of Hikitia te Hā (Māori) yoga and James demonstrated for us a wero in which he personified the movement and gracefulness of the weka and pīwaiwaka. This grounded us as a team for the day ahead”.

“Having James as the first ranger in this role is an inspired choice. The three Kapiti Island rangers work well as a team, they’re passionate about the species, the forest and weaving knowledge and experience together.

“It brings a richness to being present on Kapiti Island. Thank you for looking after us so well.”