Maaui Dolphin Protection Becomes a Shared Focus at Ookapu Poukai
- Mar 16
- 3 min read
Updated: Mar 17
On Saturday 14 March 2026, in the presence of Te Arikinui Kuini Nga wai hono i te po, over a thousand people gathered at Ookapu Marae in Kaawhia for the 129th Poukai and the formal reopening of three new whare. Alongside the celebrations, the day also became an important moment for marine conservation, with the protection of the Poopoto | Maaui dolphin recognised as a shared responsibility.
Davis Apiti of Ngaati Te Wehi has spent much of his life advocating for the Maaui dolphin, the critically endangered taonga found only along the west coast of the North Island, from the Kaipara to Kaawhia. Through decades of dedication, he has helped raise awareness nationally and internationally about this species, which now faces severe risk.
Fewer than 50 Poopoto | Maaui dolphins remain. Immediate and collective action is required to protect this species and safeguard the health of the moana they inhabit.
This work is now being carried forward by the next generation. Davis’s daughter, Aotea Apiti, chairs Moana Raahui o Aotea, an iwi conservation group based in the Aotea area, near Kaawhia. The organisation focuses on protecting the Maaui dolphin and the wider marine and land environment of Aotea Harbour and the surrounding rohe.
On the day, Aotea stood as one of the speakers and addressed the gathering in te reo Maaori about the importance of marine protection and the responsibilities of kaitiakitanga.
He tohu aroha — a token of love.
One of the gifts that Aotea presented Te Arikinui with a kete and a framed print of the Maaui dolphin, designed by Natalie Jessup of Taangaroa Tuia te Ora, the Endangered Species Foundation.
Maaui dolphin plushies were also gifted, with 50 donated by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) as a gesture of tautoko for the day. The number symbolised the urgent reality that fewer than 50 Maaui dolphins remain in the world, reinforcing the importance of collective action to protect this taonga species.
This gesture represented respect, love, and shared responsibility for one of Aotearoa’s rarest taonga.
Tamariki from Kaawhia Primary School also supported the kaupapa by performing a waiata in acknowledgement of marine protection. Throughout the day, Moana Raahui o Aotea hosted an educational display, sharing information about Maaui dolphin protection and broader marine conservation initiatives across the rohe.
Natalie Jessup, General Manager of spoke to Tainui Live on the day, affirming the Endangered Species Foundation's support for Moana Raahui o Aotea.
Maaui dolphins are the smallest and rarest dolphins in the world, found nowhere else on earth. Related Hector’s dolphins have also experienced significant population decline over time.
Threats such as bottom trawling continue to impact marine habitats, highlighting the urgent need for strong protection measures and sustained advocacy.
Ko tēnei te wā — this is the time.
The reopening of Ookapu Marae marked resilience, renewal, and collective responsibility. It demonstrated that conservation is not the work of one group alone, but a shared commitment across whaanau, hapuu, iwi, and partners.
The message was clear: the kaitiaki of Aotea Moana are present, organised, and committed to protecting the mauri of the moana for future generations.
He tohu aroha teenei moo te Poopoto, teetahi o ngaa taonga tino onge o Aotearoa me te ao. Naa ngaa kaitiaki o Moana Raahui o Aotea teenei kaupapa e kawe hei tiaki i te mauri o Aotea Moana moo ngaa uri whakatipu.
Kia kaha Moana Raahui o Aotea.
How Can You help?
Report Māui dolphin sightings - 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468)
Buy a Māui Dolphin Awhi Awa kete and get your schools and communities involved with this action kit
Support calls for Māui protected areas to be extended and for a ban on trawling and net fishing in the entire Māui habitat.
Support practices to end feral cat populations and for a National Cat Act, which will mean all domestic cats are microchipped and registered.
Vote for candidates in elections who support stronger moana restoration policies.
Support a ban on bottom trawling and sign our petition to stop bottom trawling around Aotearoa
