Leading voices in conservation, community action, mātauranga Māori and environmental advocacy will gather in Kirikiriroa this week for the inaugural Endangered Species National Hui, focused on some of the most urgent questions facing the country.
The two-day hui, Taonga Tuku Iho: Restoring Māuri Through Collective Action, takes place 2–3 September at The Atrium, Wintec, Kirikiriroa Hamilton, bringing together iwi, scientists, conservationists, community leaders, advocates, creatives and rangatahi from across the motu.
The hui comes at a critical time, with 89% of indigenous freshwater fish species now classified as threatened or at risk.
“We will be addressing the massive policy changes that are dismantling environmental protections,” says Natalie Jessup, Chief Executive of Tāngaro Tuia te Ora – Endangered Species Foundation.
“We need action, we need collaboration and we need a clear pathway for everyone to play their part. That is what this hui is about”.
Tackling the issues facing te taiao The hui programme brings together a diverse range of voices and perspectives, with topical sessions addressing some of the most pressing challenges facing wildlife and ecosystems.
Key talks include:
Action for Endangered Taonga — exploring the critically endangered Māui dolphin, including tāngata whenua leadership, rangatahi, education and data sovereignty.
What’s Happening to Our Ika? — examining the crisis facing native freshwater fish and practical approaches to restoring waterways and protecting these taonga.
Saving Matuku-hūrepo — Wendy Ambury from the Love Bittern Project shares how community action, technology and local knowledge are helping protect one of Aotearoa most threatened wetland birds.
Opposing Oil Prospecting — Mike Smith shares lessons from environmental campaigning and community mobilisation.
Journey From League Warrior to Champion for Te Taiao — Tāwera Nikau shares his journey into environmental leadership and restoration.
Te Ao Rangatahi – The World Through a Rangatahi Lens — Tessa Thomson, Rosalie Norton-Lehali and Jonny MacKenzie share rangatahi perspectives.
View full programme at https://www.endangeredspecies.org.nz/hui-2026.
