At Mountains to Sea Wellington, our kaupapa is all about connecting people with te taiao. Recently, we were honoured to support a community event in Tora, alongside the Awhea Coastal Trust. Locals and people connected to the Tora coastline gathered to explore and celebrate their unique coastal landscapes.
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On the South Eastern Wairarapa Coast, Tora is a remote community with a rugged coastline. There is both a rich history on this whenua and unique ecosystems. Our day began with a guided walk through a local wetland. The wetland has been fenced for over 10 years and has recently been put into conservation land. The hope of the landowner is to eventually begin planting the site with ecosourced seed. In such a tough environment it will be important for the success of plants to source seed and grow it in the environment it needs to survive in. Wetlands are an important ecosystem in our landscapes acting to manage water quality, protect whenua from flooding, and support biodiversity. We explored the natural regeneration at this site and had a look at some of the flora and fauna living in the springs. The kōrero in this space sparked conversations about the historic extent of wetlands, particularly in our coastal systems.
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From there, we made our way to the Awhea estuary, where the awa meets the takutai. This mixing zone is a biological hotspot—crucial for species like īnanga (whitebait), Pātaki (flounder), and tuna (eels), as well as wading birds that rely on estuaries for food and nesting grounds. Standing on the edge of the estuary, we explored how these systems work and why their health is deeply connected to the land and practices upstream. There were further discussions about restoring the vegetation along the banks of the estuary, particularly to support the īnanga spawning in the area. The Awhea Estuary is also a popular camping site so locals discussed working with council to improve the way that campers use this space.
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With mud on our boots and new knowledge in our minds, the group then gathered at the beautiful Tora Lodge. It was here that the real heart of the day unfolded: a shared kai and open kōrero about hopes, concerns, and aspirations for the Tora coast. Over steaming cups of coffee and delicious home baking, the community spoke about what they love about this place and what they hope for its future. This event was more than an educational outing; it was a reminder that community-led care of our natural spaces starts with time spent together in the taiao.
