Born from crisis and grounded in kaupapa Māori, Ngā Manga Atawhai is an environmental recovery team based in Te Tai Tokerau. Rooted in the whenua of Te Roroa, their mahi is a reflection of resilience, collective strength, and aroha for the environment and community.  

From Recovery to Regeneration  

Ngā Manga Atawhai emerged in the aftermath of Cyclone Gabrielle. What began as a community-led recovery initiative quickly grew into a fully-fledged environmental contracting business. Their kaupapa brings together skilled labour, cultural practice, and a deep sense of kaitiakitanga — restoring not only the whenua but the wellbeing of the people connected to it.  

Their name carries deep meaning:  
Ngā Manga symbolises the many branches of their people — reaching out, connecting, growing.  
Atawhai speaks to kindness, care, and protection. Together, it represents their commitment to looking after both people and place.  

Carving a Path Through Challenge  

Like many kaupapa Māori ventures, the journey hasn’t been without challenge. Moving from grassroots response to a sustainable business model has meant navigating uncertainty — from contract funding to the unpredictable impact of climate events.  

Despite this, their team has stood strong. What they’re most proud of isn’t just the mahi — it’s the people behind it. Their resilience, their unity, and their ability to keep showing up for their communities and for each other.  

A Business Guided by Tikanga

At every level, Ngā Manga Atawhai is shaped by te ao Māori. Values like manaakitanga, kaitiakitanga, and whanaungatanga are not just ideals — they’re lived out in every relationship, every contract, and every action taken on the whenua.  

Their presence in the community offers more than just environmental recovery — it provides real employment opportunities, especially for whānau seeking meaningful mahi. It strengthens connections. It upholds tikanga. And it reminds us all that healing the land is inseparable from healing our people.  

Looking Ahead  

Ngā Manga Atawhai envisions a future where environmental restoration is led by whānau, for whānau. They’re working toward sustainable growth — building a workforce equipped with the skills and support to meet growing demand across Te Tai Tokerau.  

Right now, they’re actively seeking new partnerships, contracts, and financial support to help scale their impact. If you're looking to collaborate with a kaupapa that delivers skilled work, embeds tikanga Māori, and uplifts community, Ngā Manga Atawhai is ready.