On 27 July 2025, Ngāti Mutunga o Wharekauri Iwi Trust participated in a Climate Resilience Wānanga alongside Hokotehi Moriori Trust, Chatham Islands Council, and Pou Take Āhuarangi (National Iwi Chairs Forum).

This hui brought together hapori, local leaders, and climate experts to address the unique challenges our moutere face from climate change—coastal erosion, storms, flooding, saltwater intrusion, and shifting weather patterns.

Key priorities identified for a resilient Wharekauri/Rēkohu include:

Water Security – Island-wide residential water tanks and improved septic systems.

Renewable Energy – Solar farms and off-grid solutions to reduce diesel reliance.

Emergency Preparedness – Ensuring Kōpinga Marae is fit as a Civil Defence Centre.

Climate Data & Planning – Filling key data gaps to inform adaptation projects.

The wānanga reinforced that community-led action and mātauranga Māori are central to protecting our whenua, taiao, and future generations. As one participant reflected:

“We have between 7 and 10 years to change it, or lose it.”