In episode 12, Better Ancestors visits Tama Blackburn of Waitara Taiao, a community-led and community organised environmental protection group.

Waitara Taiao monitors and maintains over 200 predator control traps in the town of Waitara. Its predator control programme contributes massively to the health of local ecosystems, our native birds and other taonga species.

Blackburn also uses Waitara Taiao as a way to help troubled youth find meaning in life. He shows them the value of contributing to the community and demonstrates the importance of passing on vital environmental knowledge to the next generations.

The group has big plans for the future. It has recently become an incorporated society to create a framework to protect and build on the community initiative. From small beginnings, great things will be accomplished.

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