Kotahitanga mo te Waiariki Accelerating action together for Western Bay of Plenty

The Theory of Diffusion of Innovation tells us that 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.

In the face of climate change, biodiversity loss and huge funding cuts across the environmental sector Tīwaiwaka was inspired by this 16% tipping point. We recently brought together a powerful hui with a diverse rōpū of Western Bay of Plenty leaders working across environment, sustainability, and biodiversity.

We know that community well-being and economic prosperity deeply tied to a thriving whenua. So we came together to ask: how can we accelerate the good mahi already happening, supercharge the connections between people, projects, and purpose - and help spark the 16% tipping point to send ripples across Aotearoa?

We asked how the Western BOP can 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 the shared threads and weaving them into powerful collective action. We see that kotahitanga is our only viable pathway forward for the future wellbeing of our whenua and all our people.

Acknowledging that these kind of hui often encourage a lot of kōrero without follow-through, we worked together to ground our ideas in tangible action plans that will move this kaupapa forward.

A massive thank you to Toi Moana Bay of Plenty Regional Council for funding the event, the The University of Waikato for their very generous support and our steering rōpū for making it all happen!

This is just the beginning. Tīwaiwaka will continue to help weave the web, nourish the soil, and guide this growth. We’re committed to walking alongside our community as part of the 16% who lead the way, so that together we can inspire a thriving future for our whenua.