Heal The Hauraki Launches on Waiheke: A Powerful Night of Stories, Solutions and Action for Tīkapa Moana
- Natalie Jessup
- Jul 14
- 2 min read
Updated: Aug 5
On Saturday 12 July, a full house gathered on Waiheke Island to launch Heal The Hauraki, a three-part documentary series spotlighting the urgent need to restore the health of Tīkapa Moana / the Hauraki Gulf. It was a night of connection, conversation, and commitment to action — led by the incredible people driving this kaupapa forward.
Hosted by changemakers Cassie Roma and Mandy Kupenga, the evening brought together local champions and national leaders in ocean protection. The screening was followed by a panel featuring Bianca Ranson (Forest and Bird), Karli Thomas (Deep Sea Conservation Coalition), and Natalie Jessup (Endangered Species Foundation), who discused the critical issues facing our moana including destructive fishing practices, sedimentation, biodiversity collapse and, most importantly, what we can do about it.
The documentary has three parts, Whenua, Tangata, Moana, and introduces us to the inspiring individuals dedicating their lives to the health of our ecosystems and communities.
Episode 1: Whenua features Charmaine Bailie and Dr. Dan Hikuroa exploring how the health of the land flows into the sea — and how restoring native biodiversity and raising the mauri of the whenua is essential to ocean health.
Episode 2: Tangata follows activist and local leader Bianca Ranson as she galvanises communities into action — marching, challenging systems, and building momentum for real change.
Episode 3: Moana highlights Nicola MacDonald and rangatahi learning to restore the moana through knowledge, education, and on-the-ground mahi.
Each story offers insight and inspiration. These are not tales of doom and decline. They are stories of people, place, and purpose. They show that healing the Hauraki Gulf is possible - and it will take all of us.
As the trailer reminds us:
“The Hauraki Gulf is in trouble. She has fed us, loved us, saved us. And now, she needs healing. The time is now. The place is here. The people are us.”
This launch event shared key messages - not just in awareness, but in enabling people in all communities to take action. From Waiheke to the Beehive, from school halls to seafloor habitats, people are rising to protect this taonga.
The Heal the Hauraki series is a powerful tool to spark dialogue, drive collaboration, and most importantly — ignite and empower change.
Watch the trailer and learn more at https://www.healthehauraki.com/
To join our project to Awhi Awa | Embrace a Stream and restore waterways, reduce sedimentation and take action for our most endangered species, from tuna (longfin eel) to Māui and Hector's dolphins, check out our project here:
