Leading from the Land Tairawhiti

Leading from the Land Tairāwhiti is a collective supporting catchment groups across Te Tairāwhiti through strategy, collaboration, and environmental leadership. They have been a trusted partner of AraHina since their establishment, and we've worked closely together across four strategy sessions.

Their journey began when a group of farmers, landowners, and catchment leads were tasked by the Ministry for Primary Industries and Tairāwhiti District Council to form a Steering Group to support all catchment groups across the region and distribute funding on their behalf.

They were starting with a blank canvas, carrying a huge responsibility, with no existing models to draw from, all while navigating the devastating aftermath of Cyclone Gabrielle.

I was honoured to take up the offer to support them and in our first session together, we co-designed their Strategic Plan.

Two years on, Leading from the Land Tairāwhiti now has its own office, a strong brand, a website, four staff members, a solid operating structure, and has distributed its first round of funding to catchment groups right across the region.

It has been incredible to see the wins they have achieved and how their strategy has kept the group anchored to their purpose. Their journey reinforces the potential of a co-designed strategy, built by the people, for the people, and the lasting impact it can have on an entire region for generations to come.

The group selected Ngā Ara Hina - Full Strategy Package, including four days of facilitated workshops spaced throughout the year, a professionally designed strategy, and new branding. And have committed to partnering with AraHina on an annual basis to refresh their strategy