Indigenous‑led hui in the USA with the Kelp Forest Alliance
“In April, I was privileged to attend an Indigenous-led hui in Santa Barbara, California, hosted by the Kelp Forest Alliance (KFA). The KFA, based in Sydney, Australia, is a non-profit organisation dedicated to protecting and restoring the world's kelp forests. Led by Dr. Aaron Eger, their primary goal is to restore and protect 4 million hectares of kelp by 2040, through international collaboration with over 25 countries, Aotearoa being one of them. Kelp forests are one of the most productive and biodiverse ecosystems that play a vital role in marine life, coastal protection, and carbon sequestration. Yet, they are rapidly declining due to pollution and ecological imbalance.
As part of the Waiheke Marine Project, A pipi held, the Kelp Gardeners, aims to restore the local kelp gardens around Enclosure Bay, on the northern side of Waiheke Island. This work aligns with global efforts, including a week-long hui hosted by NCEAS and the Kelp Forest Alliance (KFA), which brought together marine practitioners from across the world, from Namibia to Chile, to share Indigenous perspectives on kelp forests and restoration. Within the Waiheke Marine Project, the Kelp Gardeners are working to weave local knowledge and community action into restoring these vital nearshore ecosystems.
On one of the first days of the trip, we had the incredible opportunity to explore the marine reserve surrounding the Channel Islands, where we snorkelled among native Southern Californian marine life. The rocky hour-long boat ride out there gave us all time to bond, sharing stories, comparing languages, swapping food experiences, and talking politics, all grounded in a shared love for the ocean. One standout memory was trying to explain Māori words like kina and pāua to a group of very confused Americans who had no idea what I was referring to, but were definitely curious.
Over the course of the week, we created a truly safe and supportive space, one where everyone felt comfortable sharing not just their projects, but also the challenges their communities are facing in restoring and protecting kelp forests. These honest conversations brought us closer, building trust and connection across all cultures. Some of my most memorable moments happened not in the meeting room, but over shared dinners, spontaneous courtyard chats late into the night, and laughter that carried through every minute of our time together. Despite being the youngest in the group, I was welcomed with open arms, and I’ll always be grateful for how seen, safe, and loved everyone made me feel”.
Emily Griffith
Ngāti Pāoa Ki Waiheke Intern