Rautāpatu Rangitaki

International Mother Earth Day, observed every year on 22 April, is more than a date on the calendar. It is a reminder from the United Nations that the Earth is not simply a resource to be used, but a living system that sustains every aspect of human life. The UN established this observance in 2009 to promote harmony with nature and to recognise that the health of the planet and the wellbeing of people are inseparable. In recent years, the urgency behind this message has only

Taranaki’s kai landscape is rich, diverse, and full of potential — upheld by whānau, hapū, marae, growers, producers, innovators, and community champions who care deeply about the wellbeing of our people and our environment. Now, through The Big Kai Redesign , we have a unique opportunity to weave all of this incredible mahi together into a collective, mana-centred regional strategy. Today, we’re excited to announce a major milestone in this journey: Our region-wide community

Every year on 30 March, the world marks the International Day of Zero Waste, a moment to rethink how we produce, consume, and discard. The idea of “zero waste” can sound ambitious, but at its core it’s about redesigning systems so that waste is prevented rather than managed. Instead of treating rubbish as an inevitable by‑product of modern life, the zero‑waste movement asks us to imagine a world where materials circulate, resources are valued, and nothing is casually thrown a

Taranaki is a region of deep connections, and recently, those connections were made even stronger at Katere ki te Moana Marae . On Saturday, 21 February 2026, the Rautāpatu Foundation hosted the first wānanga of The BIG Kai Redesign . This multi-stage engagement is about more than just food; it is about building a collective, mana-centred regional strategy for Taranaki that supports resilient communities and a thriving local kai system we all feel part of. A Gathering of Man

Every year as summer fades and autumn arrives, Aotearoa turns its attention to the moana. Seaweek , running from late February into early March, is our national celebration of the ocean — a chance to reconnect with the waters that shape our climate, our culture, and our identity. Here in Taranaki , that connection is immediate. The Tasman Sea is never far from sight, sound, or memory. It shapes our weather, our surf culture, our fishing traditions, and the rhythm of daily lif

As we reach the end of 2025, the Rautāpatu team has been reflecting on a year that has been both grounding and energising. The Big Kai Redesign kaupapa has taken root, the foundations are forming, and the vision is becoming clearer with every conversation, every wānanga, and every act of community generosity. This year was about starting well, listening deeply, building trust, and shaping a shared pathway forward. And in that journey, we’ve seen incredible commitment from whā

A Mountain That Shapes Us International Mountain Day is a global celebration of the ecosystems, cultures, and communities connected to mountains. For Taranaki, this day is deeply personal. Taranaki Maunga isn’t just a landmark. It’s an ancestor, a compass, a source of identity, and the beating heart of the region. Its forests, rivers, and alpine ecosystems support life across the entire landscape. This day invites us to honour the maunga and reflect on our role as kaitiaki. T

The Ground Beneath Our Feet: Why Soil Health Matters in Taranaki World Soil Day is a global reminder that the health of our soil underpins the health of everything else — our food systems, our waterways, our biodiversity, and our communities. Here in Taranaki, where rich volcanic soils have shaped generations of growers, farmers, and gardeners, this day carries a special significance. Our whenua is alive. It breathes, transforms, and sustains us. And like any living system, i

In November 2025, the gates of Katere ki te Moana Marae opened for a pōwhiri that marked much more than a three-day event. It was the beginning of a profound journey—a coming together of people from across the globe to share collective wisdom, knowledge, and expertise in support of indigenous-led development. A Circle of Collective Wisdom While the world often looks at development through a narrow, clinical lens, our gathering was built on Whakawhanaungatanga —the intentiona