Restoring Taonga Ecosystems and Developing Sustainable Cultural Plant Resources on Coastal Marae and Māori Land
Dr David Bergin and Justine McDermott
The Coastal Restoration Trust is now embarking on a major new initiative to support coastal marae across Aotearoa to restore their taonga ecosystems, strengthen cultural plant resources, and protect vulnerable heritage sites. The Saving Our Coastal Cultural Heritage Project brings together mātauranga Māori and ecological expertise to develop a national Coastal Marae Planting and Management Plan—a practical blueprint that marae can use to guide long‑term restoration of dunes, estuaries, wetlands, riparian zones, and surrounding Māori land. This has been made possible through funding from the New Zealand Lottery Grant Board.
Three marae—Tikapa (East Cape), Hinetamatea (Anaura Bay), and Wai Ora (Far North)—are partnering as case‑study sites. Each will help shape the plan, and host demonstration areas (in the project next stage) that showcase biodiversity restoration, cultural‑plant resources, and protection of archaeological sites such as urupā and middens.
“This project aims to support marae-based ecological restoration and provide Māori with practical guidance and tools to develop their own planting and management plans.”
What the project will deliver
Over the next eight months, the project will produce:
- A national blueprint for coastal marae restoration
- Guidance for planting taonga species used for weaving, rongoā, carving, kai, and construction
- Advice on protecting urupā, middens, and other cultural sites
- Schematic Design Plans for each case study marae, showing restoration opportunities and climate‑resilient planting zones
- A final project outcomes report summarising achievements and next‑stage readiness.
These outputs will support marae, iwi, and hapū to plan, design, and implement restoration activities that reflect cultural priorities and local ecological conditions.
Key steps
Listening and Learning:
The project team will work closely with marae communities to gather mātauranga, cultural priorities, and restoration aspirations. This phase includes confirming project partnerships, establishing communication pathways, and reviewing archaeological protection and climate‑adaptation guidance.
On-the-Ground Engagement:
Workshops, hui, and field visits will be held at each marae to assess ecosystems, cultural sites, erosion risks, and restoration opportunities. Early design ideas for demonstration areas will be co‑developed with marae whānau.
Drafting the Plan:
The overarching Coastal Marae Planting and Management Plan will be drafted, including planting guidelines, species lists, biodiversity zones, and practical work programmes. Draft Schematic Design Plans for each marae will be prepared and shared for feedback.
Finalising and Sharing:
All plans and design packages will be refined, finalised, and prepared for publication. The Project Outcomes Report will be completed, outlining achievements and recommendations for national roll‑out.
Why this work matters
Coastal marae are guardians of cultural heritage, biodiversity, and community identity. As climate pressures increase, so does the need for practical, culturally grounded restoration tools. This project strengthens cultural resilience, supports biodiversity, protects heritage sites, and empowers Māori communities with resources to care for their coastal landscapes.
The work undertaken over the coming months will lay the foundation for long‑term restoration and sustainable cultural‑plant resources across Aotearoa.