Mana Takata

This is a two day-course helping participants to gain the knowledge required to sit their learner driver license test. For this, we’re partnering with the New Zealand Police, Ministry of Social Development and the New Zealand Automobile Association (AA). The course is culturally based and tailored for all learning styles, (including one on one support), with continual support through to restricted and full licence. 

Aukaha Drive aims remove the barriers that people face trying to navigate life without a drivers license (such as potential employment) and builds on our continuing work ensuring that the right supports are in place for people to gain the correct driving permit in order to avoid penalties or infringements.  

We can help with: 

• Payment for eye tests
• Getting access to required ID
• Transport to license testing
• Driver mentoring 
• Provision of a vehicle for practical license tests

Our workshops are held onsite at the AA. When participants have finished their two-day workshop, the learner license test can be taken immediately while all the information is fresh.  

Maintaining the Gains

Working with QEII National Trust, Department of Conservation (DOC) and the Otago Regional Council, we aim to target invasive pest plant species, and regenerate native varieties across 1400 hectares of QEII Covenanted land around Coastal Dunedin over the next three years.

Since the project was launched at the start of 2023, our team have been systematically working with land owners with visible results.

The project is funded by DOC through the Jobs for Nature programme -  designed to create jobs while enhancing te taiao. We currently have a team of three full-time rangers with future scope for growth.

Whiria te Waitaki

The focus of Whiria te Waitaki is to enhance māhika kai in the Waitaki Valley, with an emphasis on improving the health of the Waitaki River. The biosecurity and biodiversity objectives are designed with the aim of delivering positive eco-cultural outcomes.

Led by Te Rūnanga o Moeraki, this project is not just about environmental restoration. It is also restoring mana whenua presence in their takiwā with the visibility of whānau kaimahi out in the community and the whenua.

Work is taking place on Crown land in the Waitaki region across two culturally significant sites. Kaiaka taiao (indegenious rangers) undertake pest control and monitoring, and flora and fauna restoration. The project enables employment and training with positive benefits for the environment and whānau.

The project name Whiria Te Waitaki, means braid together the Waitaki.  It is a play on words, and a reference not just to the distinctive braids of the awa, but also the way the project brings together the linked elements of water, land and people.

We’re proud to support Te Rūnanga o Moeraki acting as administrators for this project, with Toitū Te Whenua – Land Information New Zealand (LINZ) as funding partners through the Jobs for Nature programme.

Since the project was launched at the start of 2023, our team have been systematically working with land owners with visible results.

The project is funded by DOC through the Jobs for Nature programme -  designed to create jobs while enhancing te taiao. We currently have a team of three fulltime rangers with future scope for growth.

Mana Takata is collaborating with training providers to support Māori and Pasifika develop a career in the construction sector. We have established an apprenticeship and pastoral care scheme in the Otago region that offers a high level of support to trainees. Our aim is to ensure apprentices are successful and that they are exposed to opportunities to learn new skills and further their careers.

If you or someone you know is interested in learning a trade, get in touch with us today. The only requirement is that you are of Māori or Pasifika descent and willing to make a real go of it.

For more information email mahi@aukaha.co.nz