Allen Karena

HSF Awards with Saharalee and Allen (1).jpeg

Allen was awarded the 2018 Trustpower Youth Community Spirit Award for his coordination of the Mitimiti pyura clearing event. Papa Taiao Earthcare introduced Allen to the issue of pyura smothering the kutai beds at Mitimiti. Allen organised a competition for the Mitimiti community to help him clear the invasive marine pest pyura (titi kuri) from the reefs. Now the kutai have returned to the reef and the local Marae will again have kutai on the menu. 

Allen has plans to continue harvesting pyura from the reefs on the west coast as an ingredient in the Hokianga Sustainable Fertiliser. He will work for Papa Taiao as a tuakana for other taiohi at his kura.

Student ProfileMarty Taylor