A Whangarei native from the Kamo and Tikipunga area, is a proud member of Ngā Puhi iwi and Te Rarawa hapu.

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Driven by a passion for the outdoors and Māori culture, Keisha joined Te Arai Native Nursery in December 2022 to gain experience and explore future possibilities.

Starting as a full-time nursery hand, she assisted our main seed collector before seizing an opportunity in July 2023 to become a field advisor under KMR (Kaipara Moana Remediation).

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Keisha finds joy in the nursery's tangible results, especially in the germination process. Her favorite project, Taipuha farm, symbolizes a new journey, and field visits, like one to WhareHine with a historical Māori Pa, underscore the importance of her role.

This work not only connects her to Maoritanga but also instills a deep appreciation for restoring and caring for the whenua and environment.

A resident of Whangarei and a member of the Te Uri o Hau hapu, decided to join the nursery for personal growth and to engage in meaningful work that gives back to the whenua.

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Having spent approximately 5 months at the nursery, Elijah has primarily served as a nursery hand. However, he recently embarked on a new chapter with KMR, marking the beginning of a different aspect of his journey.

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The KMR project holds significant importance for Elijah, as it plays a crucial role in preventing sediment loss into streams, aiming for cleaner waterways in the future.

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Among his favorite projects is the Mangawhai Heads DOC site, where he appreciates the unique experience of planting on the beach. Recently, he and the team tackled the challenging terrain of the Hemana block in Oruawharo, maintaining a positive attitude despite the steep and difficult digging.

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Elijah finds joy in his work, particularly in the camaraderie with the crew and the satisfaction derived from planting. It's a fulfilling journey for him, driven by purpose and a commitment to environmental stewardship.