Aukaha

17/08/2026

Guided by mana whenua, Aukaha worked on the cultural design integration of Te Puna Mahara | Cromwell Memorial Events Centre.
Led by Aukaha Design Leads Aroha Novak and Simon Kaan, Kāi Tahu artists Fayne Robinson, Andre Te Hira and Dana Te Kanawa drew on the narratives and values of Rākaihautū and his kō Tūwhakarōria, as well as ara tīpuna, mahika kai, maumaharataka, and tapatapa. The name Te Puna Mahara (the pool of memories) brings these stories and values together, referencing the puna of Rākaihautū while creating a new kind of puna for future generations to enjoy, learn from, and grow with.
Within Te Puna Mahara sits Te Huika Wai, the new museum. Its name reflects the meeting of nearby waterways, Mata-au, Kawarau, and Te Wairere.
Watch highlights from the whakawātea of Te Puna Mahara and discover the stories, values and relationships embedded within this remarkable new community and regional facility.

📽 Maxwell Productions in collaboration with Aukaha

Te Rūnanga o Moeraki Kāti Huirapa Runaka ki Puketeraki Te Rūnanga o Ōtākou Hokonui Runanga Inc

14/08/2026

We're hiring!📢

Employment Navigator - Job Coaching

Full-time | Fixed Term (1 Year) | Dunedin

Aukaha is seeking an enthusiastic Employment Navigator to join our Mana Takata pou.

Working alongside rakatahi and job seekers, you'll provide one-on-one support to build confidence, strengthen wellbeing, develop skills, and help people achieve their employment and education goals.

📧 Apply: Fill in the application form here with you CV and cover letter: https://aukaha.co.nz/job/aukaha-1997-ltd/

🗓 Applications close: Sunday 23 August 2026 (midnight)

Know someone who'd be a great fit? Please share this opportunity with them.

Te Rūnanga o Ōtākou Kāti Huirapa Runaka ki Puketeraki Te Rūnanga o Moeraki Waihao Marae Hokonui Runanga Inc

27/07/2026

🌱 Check out our Mana Takata Conservation Team featured in this ORC video, carrying out riparian planting at Te Hakapupu on behalf of Kāti Huirapa Runaka ki Puketeraki as part of the Toitū te Hakapupu – Pleasant River Catchment Restoration Project.

This incredible project has delivered 39km of fencing to protect waterways across the catchment and seen the planting of more than 90,000 native plants.

Fantastic to see a spotlight on the amazing work our team is doing to support our taiao while also creating meaningful learning and employment outcomes for our people.
Ka mau te wehi! 👏🌿

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

02/06/2026

Aukaha Board Director Terry Nicholas has been recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours 2026, receiving a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) for his long-standing leadership across Murihiku, supporting Māori development, governance capability, and building opportunities for future generations.
“His work has strengthened community wellbeing, regional development, and pathways for rangatahi leadership and participation,” Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka said.
Kai ruka noa atu e te rakatira! A very well deserved recognition.

Hokonui Runanga Inc

https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/southern-kings-birthday-honours-2026

01/06/2026

We're seeking Taiari whānau to have input into the 10-year, non-regulatory Taiari Catchment Action Plan aimed at protecting and enhancing freshwater and biodiversity across the catchment.

Your feedback will help guide how we, together with partners and the community, care for the land, water, biodiversity, and cultural values of this beautiful area — now and for future generations. 💚
Take the survey now:
👉 orc.govt.nz/taiariicmsurvey

Survey takes around 5–10 minutes and closes end of 14 June.

26/05/2026

Aukaha’s cultural design integration team, Mana Ahurea, has been recognised with three major awards for its work embedding Kāi Tahu narratives, values and identity across design development in Ōtepoti Dunedin.

Mana whenua panelist Dr Megan Potiki (Te Rūnanga o Ōtākou), who wrote narratives for two of the award-winning projects, says cultural design integration plays a critical role in establishing both identity and understanding.

“It’s important that our mokopuna can see themselves, their stories and their culture reflected in the spaces around them so they, too, have a strong sense of belonging,” Dr Potiki says.

“It’s also important for the wider city to understand our shared history, both socially and environmentally, and these narratives, values and designs reflect that.”

Read our latest media release here ⬇️

Three golds for indigenous design in Ōtepoti Three gold awards for Aukaha's Mana Ahurea recognise the power of Kāi Tahu-led design in shaping the identity of Ōtepoti's built environment. Wednesday 27 May 2026 - Aukaha's cultural design integration team, Mana Ahurea, has been recognised with three...

18/05/2026

Ready to Rent Workshop - 10 & 11 June
Free 2-day workshop for whānau new to renting or in emergency/transitional housing.

🗓 10 & 11 June 2026
⏰ 10am–2:30pm

What do we cover?
📝Tenant Profile (Rental history, references, rental needs)
💵Budgeting
🔎Rental search, viewings and application
⚖ Rights and Responsibilities (Tenancy Services)
🏠Keeping your whare warm and dry
🎗MSD Support available

You'll get:
☑️Skills & confidence to secure a rental
☑️Certificate + cleaning pack
🍽 Kai included

Spaces are limited — register by 3 June by emailing [email protected]
Know someone who could benefit? Get in touch

13/05/2026

Applications close tomorrow (Friday 15 May) Karawhuia e te whānau!

🌿 Love working outdoors? Looking for mahi to tide you over till winter? 🌿

We’re on the lookout for two full-time Kaiaka Taiao (Rangers) to join the Aukaha team through to 30 June 2026, based in Dunedin.
These hands-on roles focus on conservation mahi across Otago, including:
✅ Pest plant control
✅ Native planting
✅ Supporting biodiversity and freshwater restoration projects

You’ll be part of a tight-knit team working alongside key partners such as Otago Regional Council, landowners, and DOC.
If you’re physically fit, enjoy working outdoors as part of a team, and are passionate about conservation and restoration, we’d love to hear from you.

🗓 Applications close Friday 15 May 2026 at 11:59pm
👉 For more information and to apply: https://aukaha.co.nz/work-with-us/
✉️ Any queries can be sent to [email protected]

05/05/2026

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04/05/2026

🌿 Love working outdoors? Looking for mahi to tide you over till winter? 🌿

We’re on the lookout for two full-time Kaiaka Taiao (Rangers) to join the Aukaha team through to 30 June 2026, based in Dunedin.
These hands-on roles focus on conservation mahi across Otago, including:
✅ Pest plant control
✅ Native planting
✅ Supporting biodiversity and freshwater restoration projects

You’ll be part of a tight-knit team working alongside key partners such as Otago Regional Council, landowners, and DOC.
If you’re physically fit, enjoy working outdoors as part of a team, and are passionate about conservation and restoration, we’d love to hear from you.

🗓 Applications close Friday 15 May 2026 at 11:59pm
👉 For more information and to apply: https://aukaha.co.nz/work-with-us/
✉️ Any queries can be sent to [email protected]