Latest news with #PledgeMe
NZ Herald
29-07-2025
- General
- NZ Herald
On The Up: Far North couple lead project to restore native eels, educate locals
'If we have the eels declining, there's nothing to clean the silt and make sure the waterways are clean and healthy. 'They're such an important aspect to concentrate on to uplift our people.' Tuna are a treasured species (taonga) to Māori. Not only were they a source of kai, but important events were often scheduled around the harvesting of tuna. In many parts of Aotearoa, tuna are kaitiaki, protectors of the land, the people and the waters they dwell in. According to the Department of Conservation, the conservation status of the longfin eel is 'at risk and declining'. Wilson-Astle and Astle's kaupapa involves building a hatchery on their property to repopulate the eels. They plan to raise tuna and undertake release programmes throughout Te Tai Tokerau communities. The couple has also created a curriculum for early childhood centres and primary schools to teach children the historical importance of tuna. Tuna (eels) are a treasured species to Māori, however some species are in decline. The 10-week programme will involve classroom sessions and hands-on learning with tanks so children can raise elvers (juvenile eels) and later release them. For adults, they plan to hold wānanga in Kaikohe and other towns to reconnect people to their wai (water) and kai (food). Wilson-Astle, an early childhood teacher, said the idea to revive traditional knowledge came about while she and Astle were researching their whakapapa. 'We came across an old YouTube video about Lake Ōmāpere and how the health of the water reflects the health of the people. 'That resonated with us ... Lake Ōmāpere is considered the heart of Ngāpuhi, and the waterways are the veins. 'To restore the lake, you need to restore the waterways. 'With that concept in mind, that encouraged us to look at ways we can support our lakes, our people and our tuna.' The couple is also developing a Level 4 NZQA-accredited aquaculture course they want to offer to Northland tertiary providers. The tuna project expands on their other business, helping whānau grow their own kai, which featured in the Northern Advocate in April. Called Grow Your Own Northland, they make raised planter boxes, shade houses, food storage sheds, chicken coops and garden sheds, so whānau can be more self-sufficient. The couple has support from The Generator and has submitted applications for funding to Te Puni Kōkiri and the Ministry for Primary Industries' Māori agribusiness team. Their PledgeMe crowdfunding campaign launched on Thursday. For more information, visiti Te Hokinga Tuna on Facebook or visit PledgeMe. Jenny Ling is a senior journalist at the Northern Advocate. She has a special interest in covering human interest stories, along with finance, roading, and animal welfare issues.
Scoop
25-07-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Whāriki And PledgeMe Launch Pūtea For Pakihi 2025: Crowdfunding To Uplift Māori Business
Whāriki Māori Business Network has proudly launched Pūtea for Pakihi 2025, a crowdfunding campaign in partnership with crowdfunding platform PledgeMe to support the growth of five innovative pakihi Māori. Unveiled during a special online showcase on 23 July, Pūtea for Pakihi empowers Māori entrepreneurs to raise pūtea from their friends, whānau, customers and fans, helping turn bold ideas into reality through the power of collective support. This kaupapa builds on the success of last year's inaugural showcase, where two pakihi Māori reached their crowdfunding goals: Te Whare Hangahanga raised over $100,000 to support their digital building system that enables communities to create sustainable, affordable, healthy whare. Moka Eco Fibre successfully raised over $6,000 to launch Moka Lash Glue, a natural, homegrown alternative made with ingredients like organic pia harakeke and NZ-sourced keratin. 'With PledgeMe, we're turning belief into backing - helping our Māori businesses to grow in a way that's grounded in community, kaupapa and connection,' says Renee Smith, GM of Whāriki. 'Crowdfunding enables us to move from cheering on the sidelines to actively building the future with our Whāriki whānau.' This year's campaign features five kaupapa-driven businesses: Little People, Big Emotions – Helping to raise emotionally intelligent tamariki, founder Renee is crowdfunding to print in bulk and launch new packaging to reach more whānau nationwide. RIESIN – A stylish, Māori-owned athleisure brand by sisters Mattesin and Marie, made for wāhine by wāhine. Pledges will help grow their collections and kaupapa of uplifting curves, culture and hauora. Te Ao ō Tamaaki Nui – Empowering South Auckland rangatahi through free creative workshops, this kaupapa seeks to fund a permanent creative hub for youth to learn, grow and thrive. Te Hokinga Tuna – Restoring tuna populations and mātauranga Māori through hatcheries and education, Te Hokinga Tuna is fostering kaitiakitanga and intergenerational pride. Tū Māori – Creating safe spaces to reconnect with te ao Māori through art, kai, waiata and tikanga, this kaupapa supports identity, healing and cultural connection. Each pakihi now has just four weeks to reach their crowdfunding goals, and they need our collective support to get there. Whether it's $5, $50 or $500, every pledge makes a difference. 'No amount is too small when we move together,' says Smith. 'This is about investing in our future, backing our people, and helping Māori businesses thrive.'
