Published: 1 July, 2026
Kia houkura te Kopakopa Restoration Project
The Kia Houkura Te Kopakopa Restoration Project is now in its second year, with our Te Ātiawa Taiao team dedicating countless hours of mahi, research and data collection alongside MDC coastal marine scientists and mātauranga Māori experts. By drawing on marine science, local kaitiakitanga, and the mātauranga held by Te Ātiawa, to help progress the recovery of the kopakopa and the wider environment on which it depends.
Kopakopa, also known as the ribbed mussel (Aulacomya maoriana), is an endemic species found only in Aotearoa, New Zealand. It holds significant cultural and ecological value as both an important source of kaimoana and a tohu of a healthy ecosystem. This small mussel is found along intertidal rocky coastlines, often alongside other common mussel species such as the blue mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) and the green mussels (Perna canaliculus).
For generations, kopakopa has been a staple source of kaimoana for Te Ātiawa throughout Waikawa and Waitohi. However, mahinga kai areas where Te Ātiawa traditionally gathered kopakopa have declined in recent years, and many whānau no longer have access to areas where kopakopa were once abundant.
Through this kaupapa, we aim to foster greater involvement from our community, rangatahi, and whānau, strengthening their connection to the moana while supporting the restoration and long-term stewardship of this taonga species for future generations. We aim to achieve this by including whānau in wānanga, where they can come together to learn more about the kopakopa, its ecological importance, and sustainable practices that align with our mātauranga Māori customs.
Te Ātiawa o Te Waka-a-Māui Trust acknowledges the continued support of Port Marlborough, Marlborough District Court, and Coastal People: Southern Skies (CPSS) for their generous support. Their commitment, partnership and shared vision have helped strengthen our efforts to restore the mauri of our coastal environments while empowering our whānau, rangatahi, and future kaitiaki.
You can contribute to this restoration project by joining our upcoming wānanga series, check out the dates and registration below.
- Wānanga #1 - Pōwhiri & Poject Launch: Friday 5 June 2026 10:00am - 4:00pm
- Wānanga #2 - Site Visits & Monitoring: Friday 12 June 2026 10:00am - 4:00pm
- Wānanga #3 - Taura Weaving & Preparation: Saturday 18 July 2026 9:00am - 6:00pm | Register here to join the wānanga.
- Wānanga #4 - Deployment: Saturday 1 August: Registration TBC.
