Each of our projects are named Pipi

The individual projects that we are working on within the Waiheke Marine Project are often called our Pipi.  

They are named after the delicacy that we find here on our sandy beaches of Waiheke Island.  

I nga wā o mua (in days gone by) our kai collectors would often use open weaved kete (flax baskets) to collect Kaimoana (Seafood). When collecting pipi over the course of an hour or two, the kete would not be withdrawn from water. The open weave would allow for water to flow through, keeping the pipi alive, respecting the mauri of this taonga, and ensuring fresh delicious kaimoana for the whanau (family). The open weave would also allow for the small pipi to pass through. Back to be nurtured in the sand, for there is no respect to remove the pepe (babies) from the Pipi bed.   

Our Pipi projects need to mature before they are enabled, the smaller projects that don’t have enough weight settle back down to be picked up later when they have had enough time to grow. The whole Waiheke Marine Project whanau is involved in the collection and maturing of the projects. Our pipi are braced by the open weave of the Waiheke Marine Project, supported by the nine commitments, the nine voices, and its dedication to collaboration, to ensure longevity and support from the whole community.