Stu Muir Receives Inaugural Kaitiaki Award for Waterway Work

Stu Muir, a fifth-generation farmer running a 500-cow dairy operation in Waiuku, has been honoured for restoring waterways and supporting environmental leadership in his community. He received the inaugural Kaitiaki Award at the Dairy Environment Leaders (DEL) Forum.

The award citation recognised Muir’s commitment to kaitiakitanga, a Māori concept associated with guardianship and care for the environment. It also acknowledged his participation in the DEL programme and the effects of his work on his farm and the Lower Waikato River Delta.

Waterways on Muir’s property had previously become degraded and overgrown with weeds. Restoration work has supported the return of native species and restored water flow through the affected areas.

Muir said his family had a long relationship with Ngati Te Ata a Waiohua and Ngati Tipa, who are neighbours in the area. He said that growing up in the countryside presented a choice between accepting environmental decline and working to address it. He joined other people across the Mangati Stream catchment to rehabilitate waterways and reconnect the public with the landscape.

He identified the opening of the full Mangati Stream and the construction of a public walkway as his main achievement. Muir said the stream had historically provided a route between the Waikato River, Manukau Harbour and the north. Boardwalks now allow people to experience the area, which he said could support change across generations.

Muir has participated in DEL since the programme began in 2007. He said it brings farmers together with catchment groups, councils and other organisations working on environmental change. The programme also exposes participants to other farmers and perspectives, which he said encouraged broader thinking.

“If you want intergenerational change you have to collaborate with people,” Muir said. “That’s the strength of the DEL organisation.”