Urban Ark – Manawa Taiao acknowledges the long association mana whenua have with the inner west of Tāmaki Makaurau, its maunga, its awa and its moana.
Urban Ark respects Māori culture and aspires to engage in reciprocal partnership to ensure the tikanga embedded in te ao Māori informs our decisions and actions.
Some of our member groups work closely with the Tūpuna Maunga Authority on local maunga Maungawhau / Mt Eden and Ōwairaka / Mt Albert, while others advocate for the main awa which run through the region – Te Auaunga / Oakley Creek and Waitītiko / Meola Creek. We seek opportunities with mana whenua to incorporate mātauranga Māori into everything we do.
Our Supporters
A big thank you to all our amazing partners. We couldn’t do it without you.
Auckland Council and Pest Free Auckland
Urban Ark – Manawa Taiao is grateful for the many ways Auckland Council and its staff support our organisation and the work of volunteers. Ongoing financial support from Auckland Council has allowed Urban Ark to get started, gain momentum, and launch our joint project with the Tūpuna Maunga Authority.
Auckland Zoo
Auckland Zoo provided a base and support for Urban Ark right from the start. It is still an important logistical partner providing events spaces, key industry connections and a vast amount of specialist expertise.
The Zoo’s full time pest management team has an important role to play in helping us achieve a Pest Free Auckland. Zoo staff provide their expertise to help make an impact beyond the Zoo’s boundary across Tāmaki Makaurau.
Albert-Eden Local Board
Urban Ark – Manawa Taiao operates across the Albert-Eden Local Board area. Thanks to the local board for the financial and networking support that allows us to continue supporting the volunteer groups that are active across the region.
Puketāpapa Local Board
Urban Ark – Manawa Taiao operates across the Puketāpapa Local Board area. Thanks to the local board for the financial and networking support that allows us to continue supporting the volunteer groups that are active across the region.
Waitematā Local Board
Urban Ark – Manawa Taiao operates across the Waitematā Local Board area. Thanks to the local board for the financial and networking support that allows us to continue supporting the volunteer groups that are active across the region.
Foundation North
Urban Ark is grateful to be a recipient of a Foundation North Community Grant. This investment in our work is helping create healthier ecosystems, stronger community connections, and a future where native wildlife can flourish across Tāmaki Makaurau.
Transpower
Support from Transpower CommunityCare Fund allowed us to complete a pioneer planting project in The Avenue Reserve in Lynfield. What was once an underutilised patch of grass is now well on its way to becoming a little haven of native biodiversity. We look forward to working with Transpower again in future.
WomenzShed
The wonderful women at WomenzShed empower women through workshops, where participants learn woodworking skills while building meaningful community projects, such as wētā hotels, in support of our conservation efforts. Supporting conservation is at the heart of what they do.
Chapman Tripp
Thanks to assistance of our legal support partner, Urban Ark – Manawa Taiao became a charitable trust.