The 16% Collective is a growing network of leaders, practitioners, and community changemakers who are committed to placing Papatūānuku first across every layer of decision-making in the Western Bay of Plenty.

In the face of climate change, biodiversity loss and a challenging funding environment, Tīwaiwaka was inspired by the Diffusion of Innovations theory - when just 16% of a community or sector embraces a new idea or way of doing things, a tipping point is reached and the majority follow.

“Community wellbeing and economic prosperity are intrinsically connected to a thriving whenua.”

- Pā Ropata, Tīwaiwaka founder

In April 2025 we brought together a powerful rōpū of influential people, from councillors, to CEOs, to community advocates, all working across different sectors including environment, sustainability, biodiversity and community wellbeing.

The group came together to answer these questions:

How can we accelerate the good mahi already happening, supercharge the connections between people, project and purpose, and help reach the 16% tipping point to send ripples across Aotearoa?
And, how can Western BOP become a regional exemplar for putting Papatūānuku first on all levels—from governance to grassroots, across all sectors, for an equitable transition?

The day was a vibrant showcase of strong and independent thinkers, recognising shared threads and weaving them into powerful collective action. Collectively, we agree kotahitanga (unity) is the only viable pathway forward for the wellbeing of our whenua and humanity.

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Action Plans

From this hui, smaller groups were created, each developing their own tangible action plans that turn this shared vision into real, whenua-based change.

Louise Saunders, CEO of Manaaki Kaimai Mamaku Trust and Tīwaiwaka Steering Group members, says that the 16% is an ecosystem of connected people taking action in a coordinated way, to amplify impact as we respond to climate change.

“In the Bay Of Plenty, we are so spoiled for choice. No matter what action you want to take for sustainability or restoring nature, whether you’re an individual, a family, a neighbourhood, a business, a community organisation, or an entire industry, there’s already stuff going on.

“What we really need is for more people to take more action, more often and embed it in their everyday lives and everyday business operations.”

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