Conservation International Aotearoa

Aotearoa-New Zealand holds significant environmental and political influence across the Pacific region, presenting unique opportunities for regional conservation leadership.

We work in Aotearoa and across the broader Pacific, alongside Indigenous communities, local NGOs, and governments to deliver impactful, science-driven, and culturally relevant conservation solutions.

Together, we are cultivating resilience through supporting Indigenous-led focused on marine protection, sustainable development, and regional collaboration.

Aotearoa - New Zealand Realm

New Zealand is an independent sovereign state with unique constitutional relationships across the Pacific. The Realm encompasses three autonomous jurisdictions: New Zealand, the Cook Islands, and Niue, plus one dependent territory (Tokelau) and one territorial claim in Antarctica (the Ross Dependency). The Cook Islands and Niue are self-governing states in free association with New Zealand.

Combined with New Zealand’s Exclusive Economic Zone — the fourth largest globally at over 4 million square kilometers — these relationships create an extensive network spanning from tropical to Antarctic waters. This framework and wider relationships position New Zealand as a natural conduit for collaborative and scalable conservation approaches in the Pacific where shared marine ecosystems and climate challenges require coordinated action.

Map of Aotearoa (New Zealand) with its proximity to Australia and Antarctica and highlighting its vast marine territory.

What we do

CI Aotearoa is catalyzing transformative, indigenous-led conservation, blending cultural wisdom with modern innovation to secure a sustainable future for both people and nature across the Pacific region.

Indigenous Ocean Guardianship

Our partnerships with Māori iwi, Pacific Island governments, local communities, and international organizations are building a powerful coalition for change. By integrating traditional knowledge with modern science, we ensure that local communities are engaged throughout every stage of project development, addressing their needs while revitalizing cultural practices.

This collaborative approach allows us to tackle complex challenges across multiple levels — from community-based marine management to international policy advocacy. At the same time, we are creating sustainable livelihood opportunities that combine conservation efforts with economic benefits for local communities.

Hinemoana Halo

Conservation International Aotearoa, together with Indigenous Māori, are partnering on the Hinemoana Halo Ocean Initiative. This new and vital partnership will provide ocean protection and climate leadership in coordination with Pacific leaders from across the region.

Hinemoana Halo Ocean Initiative

Climate Resilient Communities

We’re focused on strengthening coastal communities' resilience to climate change through sustainable resource management, improved marine protected area governance. We want to enable their aspirations, and demonstrate how economic development and environmental conservation can go hand in hand.

Regional Collaboration

We’re fostering partnerships across the Pacific, including connecting government agencies with local communities to deliver on the ground conservation projects, as well as facilitating Māori Iwi engagement with Indigenous leaders across the Pacific a shared vision, and action for ocean management.

Next-Gen Conservation Leaders

Across our projects, we prioritize engaging young people through experiential environmental education and citizen science programs ranging from primary to tertiary education, fostering a new generation of ocean stewards. Our comprehensive education and outreach programs, including environmental curricula, community workshops, and media campaigns to raise awareness and inspire action.

Pacific Guardians Initiative

Our Tikanga (Values)

Rangatiratanga (Leadership)

We support Iwi/Māori rangatiratanga (leadership) and demonstrate our mana by being respectful and mindful in our partnerships. We carefully weave whānaungatanga (relationships) in a supportive and high trust environment, which is underpinned by our tikanga.

Manaaki (Care)

We manaaki (care) for, and enhance our mauri, or lifeforce, to uplift ours and other’s wairua, (spirit).

Kaitiaki (Guardians)

We are unified and focused in our mission as kaitiaki, or guardians. We understand everyone has a role as responsible ancestors to whāngai, or foster, wellbeing for future generations.

Our Global Priorities

Climate

We work with nature to remove planet-warming carbon from the atmosphere — and help communities thrive in a changing world.

Oceans

We help create marine protected areas — and reimagine aquatic industries — to secure the ocean’s bounties for future generations.

Biodiversity

We protect and restore priceless ecosystems, while creating jobs and opportunity for all.

CI-Aotearoa in the news

The Washington Post

February 19, 2025

New Zealand Geographic

Radio New Zealand

April 11, 2025