In 2020, during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, in my final project with New Zealands Department of Conservation, I conceived of and facilitated the project structure development for what turned in to a $5.3million dollar flagship programme within the Government's Mahi mo te Taiao (Jobs for Nature) initiative creating 70+ jobs across 8 East Coast whānau and a number of community level entities - The Tairāwhiti Agrocology Recovery Project (TARP), which become known as Te Rea when operationalised.
The TARP/Te Rea programme was widely recognised and celebrated as an innovative empowering project model with the development of whānau leadership, supporting manawhenua visions for their whenua, and effective training, techinical advice and logistical support as its central pillars.
A number of media items outlining the story of the TARP can be found here:
TARP's $4.8m boost from Govt. expected to create 70 jobs.
‘Healing the land, healing the people
’One thousand native trees planted at Mangatu, thanks to TARP venture
