An Evening of Connection and Action for Māui | Pōpoto Dolphins
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
The LUSH store at The Base in Kirikiriroa | Hamilton was filled with passionate people coming together for one purpose: to help protect one of the world's rarest dolphins.
Supporters, whānau and members of the community gathered to learn more about the challenges facing Māui dolphins and the actions each of us can take to help ensure their survival.
The evening began with a warm welcome from LUSH representative Jessielee Pearce, who shared LUSH's commitment to supporting ethical campaigns and community-led projects that strengthen both te taiao and hāpori. Through partnerships like this, everyday purchases become a way for people to contribute to meaningful conservation action.
Our Co-Chair, Tāwera Nikau, welcomed everyone before Dr Paul Brown, representing Ngāti te Wehi, spoke to the deep cultural significance of Māui as a taonga species. He shared the challenges they face and the collective responsibility we all carry to protect them for future generations: from the decline of these dolphins to the ongoing threats pushing this critically endangered species toward extinction, and why urgent action is needed now.
We were honoured to be joined by the Apiti whānau and so many passionate supporters, whose presence reflected the growing movement of people determined to see a different future for these precious dolphins.
The evening was also about taking action.
Manuhiri (guests) signed our petition calling for stronger protections for Māui and Hector's dolphins, purchased limited-edition Māui dolphin soaps — with proceeds supporting the Endangered Species Foundation's conservation work — and left equipped with practical ways to keep advocating for these taonga species in their own communities.
Every conversation, every signature and every soap purchased helps build momentum for change.
A huge thank you to LUSH Hamilton for hosting such a special evening, to Jessielee and the LUSH team for their incredible support, to Ngāti te Wehi, Tāwera Nikau and Dr Paul Brown for sharing their knowledge and passion, and to everyone who attended.
Together, we're showing that when communities come together, we can create the collective action needed to give Māui dolphins a fighting chance.
📸 Enjoy more photos from the evening:
