More Than 60 Gather in Tairawhiti to Explore ETS and Whenua Futures at Tairawhiti Whenua Wananga
PRESS RELEASE
10 June 2025
More than 60 farmers, landowners, and whānau gathered on Friday for a powerful ETS Wānanga hosted by Tairāwhiti Whenua Charitable Trust, in partnership with Beef + Lamb New Zealand and Mangatū Blocks Incorporation.
Held at Mangatū Blocks office in Gisborne, the wānanga was a timely and practical response to the challenges still rippling through the region after Cyclone Gabrielle, as well as the looming pressures of land use changes and environmental regulations.
The event provided straight-up kōrero and insight into land use opportunities - these options were shared - the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS), land resilience, and sustainable opportunities for whenua Māori. The core or our Whenua Maori land blocks is still Sheep & Beef farming. A strong line-up of local experts and advocates led the discussions, including Tairāwhiti Whenua Trustees Hilton Collier, Bella Hawkins, David Battin, and Catchment Coordinator & B+LNZ Matanga whenua Maori, Pania King. Whānau also heard from Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) experts on the ins and outs of the ETS.
Attendees heard from presenters on a wide range of topics including what the ETS is, how it works, and how landowners can navigate it. Speakers also covered strategies for managing risk in a changing climate, how to adapt land practices following the cyclone, updates on freshwater policy, and innovative opportunities for whenua Māori — including carbon farming and other environmental initiatives.
Matene Blandford, also a Trustee of Tairāwhiti Whenua Charitable Trust, reflected on the day:
“It was awesome to see so many whānau come together to kōrero about the ETS. These are big issues, but having space to talk through them, in our way, makes all the difference. We’re proud to support our people to make informed decisions for their whenua.”
The wānanga is the third in a regional series hosted by the Trust to support Māori landowners and farming whānau in future-proofing their whenua.
Recordings will be made available for those who couldn’t attend in person.
“With a focus on collaboration, clarity, and community-led solutions, Tairāwhiti Whenua Charitable Trust, in Partnership with with B+LNZ and others, is proud to be leading important conversations that empower whānau to protect and sustain their whenua for generations to come,” says Pania King.
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For media inquiries or more information, please contact:
Toni Akana
Tairāwhiti Whenua Charitable Trust
Communications Specialist
kiaora@tairawhitiwhenua.co.nz
